World Cup: Denmark team profile

bet365 News Team Updated: Nov 18 2022 09:38 Published: Sep 21 2022 16:07

Denmark have never gone past the quarter-finals of a World Cup but after their semi-final run at Euro 2020, this could all change at the World Cup.

The Red and Whites haven't been able to transfer their impressive European Championship form - which includes them being crowned champions in 1992 and also reaching the semi-finals in 1984 and 2020 - to the World Cup and they have only gone past the last-16 stage on one occasion, this coming back in 1998.

Defeat to Croatia on penalties in the round of 16 in 2018 was a low point for the Danes but they have recovered well since that exit in Russia and there is real hope they can lift the World Cup Trophy for the first time at odds of 28/1.

What:	World Cup
Where:	Qatar
When:	20th November - 18th December 2022
How to watch:	All matches will be shown on either the BBC or ITV
Odds:	Brazil 9/2, England 11/2, France 6/1, Argentina 7/1, Spain 8/1

What is Denmark's World Cup record?

Denmark have only qualified for the World Cup on five occasions, with their debut coming at the 1986 tournament in Mexico where they topped Group E before losing 5-1 to Spain in the last 16.

Having failed to make the 1990 and 1994 editions, the Danes returned to WC action in 1998 in France where they made it to the quarter-finals - the country's best ever finish.

The Red and Whites eliminated Nigeria 4-1 in the last 16 before being edged out in the quarter-finals 3-2 by Brazil, who would go on to lose to France in the final.

In Denmark's three further World Cup appearances, they reached the last-16 stage in 2002 and 2018 while they failed to make it out of the group in 2010.

Position	Year
Quarter Finals	1998
Round of 16	1986, 2002 and 2018
Group stage	2010

How did Denmark qualify?

Denmark were superb in qualifying for the Qatar World Cup as they finished top of Group F, winning nine and losing just one of their 10 matches to end up four points clear of Scotland in second.

The Danes were formidable at the back, keeping an impressive eight clean sheets and conceding just three times, while they also scored no less than 30 times - the joint-fourth highest in European qualifying.

A big moment for Kasper Hjulmand's men came during the early part of qualification, when they thumped Austria 4-0 in the third round of fixtures before defeating Scotland 2-0 next up to maintain their 100 per cent record.

Since securing their place in Qatar, Denmark have secured victories over France and Austria (twice) in the Nations League to sit top of Group A1 and put themselves in a strong position to reach the Finals.

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Who is in Denmark's group?

Denmark have been handed a tricky looking draw in Group D for the World Cup, as they will face reigning champions France, Australia and Tunisia.

The Danes begin their quest for glory with a clash against Tunisia at the Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan on 22nd November before then facing Les Bleus at Stadium 974, Doha on 26th November.

A meeting with Australia at Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah on 30th November wraps up the group stage for Hjulmand's troops and although there is the potential to stumble during these matches, the Red and Whites should have enough to grab first or second spot.

If Denmark end up taking second place they will face the winner of Group C, which is likely to be Argentina who have been drawn with Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland.

Who is Denmark's manager?

Kasper Hjulmand has been in charge of Denmark since 2020, replacing Age Hareide when his contract expired, and he has enjoyed a brilliant start in what is his first international job.

The 50-year-old guided his country to the semi-finals at Euro 2020, narrowly losing out to England after extra time and he seems to have found the right balance between defence and attack.

Since that loss to the Three Lions, Denmark have won 10 of their next 13 matches - scoring 27 times and conceding just 10 goals - and the tactical nous of Hjulmand has been clear to see in this impressive run.

The 50-year-old, who delivered the Danish First Division title with Lyngby in 2006/07 and the Danish Superliga with Nordsjælland in 2011/12, likes to play an expansive possession game but, depending on the opposition, he is also not afraid to ask his team to sit back.

Hjulmand is also very adept at making tactical tweaks during matches and this was evident in the quarter-final victory over the Czech Republic at Euro 2020, where he used three different formations.

The ex-defender often switches between a 3-4-3, 4-4-3 and 5-2-3, and it is these in-game changes and flexibility in the squad that has provided a lot of success since he took the reins.

Who is Denmark's star player?

While Denmark have the likes of Andreas Christensen, Kasper Schmeichel and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in their ranks, the undoubted star of the show is Christian Eriksen.

The 30-year-old has been capped 115 times, leaving him 14 behind the country's all-time record holder Peter Schmeichel, while he has scored 38 times to sit joint-fifth in the top goalscorer charts.

Eriksen has fully recovered from the cardiac arrest he suffered at Euro 2020 and his impressive performances for Brentford in the second half of last season resulted in a move to Manchester United this summer.

The former Tottenham and Inter Milan ace pulls the strings in midfield for Denmark, producing sublime through-balls and keeping the tempo and pace of play up, while he also gets himself into scoring positions and chips in with goals on a regular basis when played out wide.

If the Danes have any hopes of going all the way in Qatar, the form of Eriksen will be crucial and he will no doubt be hoping to play an integral role at the World Cup.

Who could be Denmark's breakout star?

Jonas Wind looks to be a bright spark for Denmark and after only playing in two matches at Euro 2020, he could be ready for a more integral role at the World Cup.

At 6f 3in, the 23-year-old striker is a real handful and he has already shown his prowess on the international stage, having scored five goals from 15 caps.

After scoring 36 goals in 88 appearances for Copenhagen, Wind moved to Wolfsburg in January 2022 and he netted five times from 14 outings for the German outfit during the second half of 2021/22.

Playing in the Bundesliga should help his development and he could be primed and ready to make a big impact for his country in the winter.

What is Denmark's predicted line-up and tactics?

Denmark's predicted line-up (3-4-3): Kasper Schmeichel; Andreas Christensen, Simon Kjaer, Joachim Andersen; Joakim Mæhle, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Thomas Delaney, Jens Stryger Larsen; Christian Eriksen, Kasper Dolberg, Andreas Skov Olsen.

Denmark are a well-drilled outfit that like to play expansive possession football, with three strong centre-backs allowing the wing-backs to push forward.

Expect the Danes to use the width and pace they have on the flanks, whipping a variety of deliveries into the box depending on who is given the starting nod through the middle.

Wind has the potential to make an impact off the bench with his extra height, while the same can also be said of 6ft 4in Yussuf Poulsen.

How far can Denmark go in Qatar?

With confidence high and Denmark playing some impressive football under Hjulmand, there is no reason they can't at least match their best World Cup run and reach the quarter-finals, which is priced at 2/1.

They struggled to keep opposition out at Euro 2020, as they kept just one clean sheet, but defence is an area they have significantly improved, with just three goals conceded during World Cup qualification.

A run to the semi-finals, priced at 5/1, is more than possible, but that could be where the journey ends for Denmark as they are likely to come up against one of the world's powerhouses at that stage.