Christian Eriksen had another superb season in the Premier League in 2017-18, with 14 goals and 11 assists across all competitions. In Denmark’s World Cup qualifying campaign he scored 11 goals.
FIFA World Cup 2018 » The past decade or so hasn’t been the best of periods for Denmark football team. The national team missed out on qualifying for two of the past three FIFA World Cups and needed to beat Ireland in a playoff to book a ticket for 2018 Fifa World Cup in Russia.
However, coached by Age Hareide, Denmark will command respect when football’s biggest tournament gets underway on June 14.
Danish football team manager, Age Hareide succeeded Denmark’s longest-serving coach in Morten Olsen after the Scandinavian country’s failure to qualify for UEFA EURO 2016. A former Norway international defender and coach, his decades of top-level experience helped the Denmark football team to reach Russia 2018 via a qualification play-off victory over Republic of Ireland.
The squad boasts depth and, in Tottenham Hotspur playmaker Christian Eriksen, world class talent, even if there are question marks over the team’s attack. In addition, the ‘Danish Dynamite’, as the team is affectionately known by local fans, have the luxury of a relatively tame draw. Victory in the first game against Peru on June 16 will go a long way to guaranteeing the Scandinavian side’s place in the knockout phase.
Another win five days later against an unheralded Australia will ensure Denmark’s progress, regardless of the result of the final group match against France.
Another win five days later against an unheralded Australia will ensure Denmark’s progress, regardless of the result of the final group match against France.
Key Denmark player to watch out in Russia 2018
The Spurs No 23 will be joined in Denmark’s midfield by Werder Bremen’s Thomas Delaney, who enjoyed an impressive 2017-18 season in the Bundesliga. Celta Vigo’s Pione Sisto is another ace up Hareide’s sleeve. The 23-year-old was something of a revelation in La Liga last season with nine assists and can be used as an attacking midfielder, winger or second striker. The defence also looks solid with a center-back pairing of Andreas Bjelland and captain Simon Kjaer. In goal is Kasper Schmeichel, the son of Manchester United great Peter Schmeichel. Kasper stepped out of his father’s shadow by helping Leicester City to the 2016-17 Premier League title, the club’s first top-level trophy.
However, Denmark’s attack does not look quite as impressive. Options include Nicolai Jorgensen, Niklas Bendtner, Andreas Cornelius and Kasper Dolberg. Hardly an inspiring group, although 20-year-old Dolberg has shown promise for Dutch side Ajax.
Denmark’s Road to Russia 2018
After a slow start to their 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign, Denmark won four of their last five fixtures before their rout of Ireland over two legs. They have since played two international friendlies at home, recording a 1-0 victory over Panama and a goalless draw against Chile in March. More stern tests await in the coming days, with World Cup warm-up friendlies against Sweden and Mexico.
