Denmark World Cup 2018 squad and team guide as Christian Eriksen is star man

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  • Very much the man to watch: Christian Eriksen.

    Entering their fifth World Cup Finals – and first since 2010 – the Danes have momentum on their side after finishing second in a tricky qualifying group and seeing off Republic of Ireland emphatically in their two-legged play-off clash.

    That 5-1 victory in Dublin, following a goalless draw in the tie’s opening clash, sent the footballing world a timely reminder of the talent the Red and Whites possess at their disposal.

    The mood in and around the camp seems pretty buoyant, and on paper, they are favourites to finish second in Group C behind a star-studded France squad.

    There’s a bit of déjà vu to this, too. Remarkably, Denmark and France were pitted in Group C way back at France ‘98, with the hosts (and eventual winners) topping proceedings while a side containing the talents of Peter Schmeichel and the Laudrup brothers ended as runners-up.

    Les Bleus won their respective meeting 2-1, but still, a return of four points back then was enough to advance. Denmark went on to reach the last eight, losing to Brazil in a 3-2 thriller in Nantes.

    Another lucky omen doesn’t have anything to do with footballing ability but rather the team’s iconic apparel. When you think of the country’s kit, immediately, sponsor Hummel springs to mind and its classic chequered line look on each sleeve, with a v-neck collar. This World Cup, it is back after somewhat of a hiatus given Adidas held the sponsorship agreement between 2004 and 2016.

    On the pitch, Denmark have some decent quality and players who play on the biggest stages week in, week out. While the playmaking exploits of Christian Eriksen immediately spring to mind, the reliability of Leicester stopper Kasper Schmeichel in goal; the burgeoning potential of Chelsea’s Andreas Christensen and solidity of someone like Simon Kjaer offer a good mix of footballing intelligence.

    Highly-rated Thomas Delaney – one of the stars of the Bundesliga season for Werder Bremen and veteran vice-captain William Kvist, also offer a buffer to release Eirksen.

    Denmark were hardly prolific in qualifying – scoring just 20 times – and will need Yussuf Poulsen and Nicolai Jorgensen to produce the goods, supported by Celta Vigo’s Pione Sisto.

    KEY PLAYER

    Christian Eriksen

    Denmark's midfielder Christian Eriksen (C) and teammates jog during a training session of the Danish national football team at Broendby Stadium in Brondby, Denmark on June 8, 2018, on the eve of the international friendly football match between Denmark and Mexico. (Photo by Anders Kjaerbye / Ritzau Scanpix / AFP) / Denmark OUT (Photo credit should read ANDERS KJAERBYE/AFP/Getty Images)

    The centre of attention: Christian Eriksen.

    The Tottenham midfielder is set to have a busy summer, with speculation concerning his long-term future and a move to Barcelona likely to be the undercurrent to his World Cup. At the peak of the powers and the main man for the Danes.

    COACH

    Age Hareide

    Denmark's Norwegian head coach Age Hareide attends a press conference of the Danish national football team at Broendby Stadium in Brondby, Denmark on June 8, 2018, on the eve of the international friendly football match between Denmark and Mexico. (Photo by Anders Kjaerbye / Ritzau Scanpix / AFP) / Denmark OUT (Photo credit should read ANDERS KJAERBYE/AFP/Getty Images)

    Experienced boss: Denmark’s Norwegian head coach Age Hareide.

    The experienced Norwegian, who interestingly played for Manchester City and Norwich City in the 1980s, led the Scandinavian side to the finals through the playoffs, and should continue to make good strides with this team. Has reinvigorated the side since taking charge in 2015.

    CAPTAIN

    Simon Kjaer

    STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN - JUNE 02: Simon Kjaer. Kasper Schmeichel and Thomas Delaney of Denmark ahead of the International Friendly match between Sweden and Denmark at Friends Arena on June 2, 2018 in Solna, Sweden. (Photo by Nils Petter Nilsson/Ombrello/Getty Images)

    Dane skipper: Simon Kjaer.

    A leading presence at the back and calming influence on the pitch, the 29-year-old’s
    experience is important but he will need to make sure he is fully fit having spent chunks of his season with Sevilla on the treatment table. He made only 18 starts in La Liga last term.

    YOUNG STAR

    Andreas Christensen

    Denmark's defender Andreas Christensen attends a press conference of the Danish national football team at Broendby Stadium in Brondby, Denmark on June 8, 2018, on the eve of the international friendly football match between Denmark and Mexico. (Photo by Anders Kjaerbye / Ritzau Scanpix / AFP) / Denmark OUT (Photo credit should read ANDERS KJAERBYE/AFP/Getty Images)

    Blues defender: Andreas Christensen.

    The 22-year-old powerful Chelsea centre-back is still learning his trade in defence but has become a regular in the Blues’ three-man back line. Seems to be growing in stature all the time and will relish his first major tournament, his adeptness in possession will be a vital asset.

    KEY FACTS AND STATS

    Danish players (L-R) Yussuf Poulsen,Viktor Fischer, Andreas Christensen, Thomas Delaney, Michael Krohn-Dehli, Jannik Vestergaard, Christian Eriksen and Kasper Dolberg attend a training session of the Danish national football team at Broendby Stadium in Brondby, Denmark on June 8, 2018, on the eve of the international friendly football match between Denmark and Mexico. (Photo by Anders Kjaerbye / Ritzau Scanpix / AFP) / Denmark OUT (Photo credit should read ANDERS KJAERBYE/AFP/Getty Images)

    Strong spirit in the camp.

    FIFA Rating

    76 DEF 78 MID 76 ATT

    World Cups competed at

    5 (first in 1986)

    World Cup record

    P16, W8, D2, L6

    Best finish

    Quarter-Finals (1998)

    Qualification record

    P12, W7, D3, L2

    World ranking

    12

    SQUAD

    Goalkeepers: K. Schmeichel (Leicester City), F. Ronnow (Brondby IF), J. Lossl (Huddersfield Town)

    Defenders: H. Dalsgaard (Brentford), S. Kjaer (Sevilla), J. Stryger Larsen (Udinese), M. Jorgensen (Huddersfield Town), J. Vestergaard (Borussia Monchengladbach), A. Christensen (Chelsea), J. Knudsen (Ipswich)

    Midfielders: W. Kvist (FC Kobenhavn), T. Delaney (Werder Bremen), C. Eriksen (Tottenham Hotspur), L. Lerager (Bordeaux), M. Krohn-Dehli (Deportivo), L. Schone (Ajax), P. Sisto (Celta Vigo)

    Forwards: N. Jorgensen (Feyenoord), Y. Poulsen (RB Leipzig), V. Fischer (FC Kobenhavn), K. Dolberg (Ajax), Andreas C. (Atalanta), M. Braithwaite (Bordeaux)

    VERDICT

    It’s possible the Danes could face Argentina in the second-round, which given the doubts around them, could yield a quarter final spot.

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