As the 2024 UEFA European Championship approaches, Leisu Sports brings you a series of profiles on the 24 teams that have qualified. Today, we focus on Denmark, the surprise champions in 1992.
Denmark Overview: Post-Horsepower Struggles and a Realistic Aim to Reach the Knockout Stage
Denmark is a traditional powerhouse in European football with a remarkable track record at the Euros. In 1992, they famously won the tournament as last-minute replacements, capturing the hearts of fans in what became known as the Danish Fairy Tale. They also triumphed at the 1995 Confederations Cup as European champions. In the previous Euro, Denmark advanced as group runners-up before reaching the semi-finals, where they were narrowly defeated by England.
In the Euro 2024 qualifiers, Denmark enjoyed a favorable draw in Group H, avoiding any top-tier teams. They faced Slovenia, Finland, Kazakhstan, Northern Ireland, and minnows San Marino, finishing with a record of 7 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses, topping the group on goal difference over Slovenia.
In recent years, Denmark has seen emerging stars like H?jbjerg, who joined Manchester United for 73.9 million last summer. However, key figures remain familiar faces such as Eriksen, Hojbjerg, Kjaer, and Schmeichel Jr. It’s worth noting that Eriksen’s performance has been affected since his heart condition, while Kjaer’s role at AC Milan has diminished. Schmeichel Jr., at 37, remains an evergreen presence between the posts.
Denmark has been drawn into Group C alongside favorites England, Slovenia (a team they faced in the qualifiers), and a solid Serbia. With a less impressive squad on paper, securing a spot in the knockout phase might be the most realistic target.
Coach and Players: An Aging Core and H?jbjerg’s Potential Breakthrough
Juul-Mortensen took charge of the national team in August 2020 and guided them to the semi-finals of the previous Euro. A relatively unremarkable player, he has primarily coached within Denmark, leveraging his familiarity with local players to maintain team unity.
Denmark’s overall strength is waning, particularly in its spine. Schmeichel Jr. remains the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper at 37, while 31-year-old Ronnow is a capable backup. At 35, Kjaer, now at AC Milan, remains a key figure but faces questions about his fitness given his age and injury history. Other defenders like J?rgensen, Vestergaard, and Rasmussen play in the English leagues but lack the commanding presence needed at the highest level.
In midfield, Eriksen, 32, still leads the team despite his health issues, while Hojbjerg, 28, has seen his role at Tottenham dwindle. The 24-year-old J?rgensen, a key figure in Portugal’s title-winning season, is more defensively inclined. Up front, H?jbjerg, just 21, is Denmark’s main hope, but his inconsistent form at Manchester United raises questions about his readiness for the big stage. Poulsen, 29, offers a physical presence up front but often plays a supporting role at RB Leipzig.
The development of 2018 sensations Dolberg and Damsgaard has been disappointing, especially the latter, whose progress was stunted by staying too long at Sampdoria instead of moving to a top club.
European Championship Record:
Denmark’s greatest moment came in 1992 when they won as late entrants, defeating the Netherlands and Germany en route to the title. They failed to advance from the group stage in 1996 and 2000. In 2004, they eliminated Italy via a controversial draw with Sweden before losing to the Czech Republic in the quarterfinals. Denmark missed the 2008 and 2016 editions but reached the semi-finals in 2020.
Outlook for Euro 2024:
Denmark is in Group C with England, Slovenia, and Serbia. They are outmatched by England, but matches against the other two opponents could be decisive. A second-place finish would lead to a Round of 16 clash against the A Group winner, possibly hosts Germany. As a third-place finisher, Denmark could face either the E or F Group winner, which could be Belgium or Portugal, making their chances of advancing to the quarterfinals slim.
Predicted Denmark 26-Man Squad for Euro 2024:
Goalkeepers: Schmeichel Jr., Ronnow, Hermanansen
Defenders: Kjaer, Rasmussen, Vestergaard, J?rgensen, Christian andersen, Victor Nielsen, Yellet, Jacob Rasmussen
Midfielders: Eriksen, Hojbjerg, Delaney, Jensen, J?rgensen, O’Reilly
Forwards: H?jbjerg, Wind, Poulsen, Dr?lling, Dolberg, Damsgaard, Isaksson, Darami
Group Stage Schedule and Venues (Beijing Time):
June 17, 00:00 – Slovenia vs. Denmark, Stuttgart
June 21, 00:00 – Denmark vs. England, Frankfurt
June 26, 03:00 – Denmark vs. Serbia, Munich