Denmark

Denmark will be playing in only their fourth World Cup this summer. For a country that has produced great individuals as well as a European Championship winning team, that will come as a surprise.

The Danes qualified impressively, combining youth, experience and pace to overcome Sweden and Portugal to top European Qualifying Group A.

The stand out moment of qualifying came in Lisbon. Having fallen 2-1 behind with four minutes left, injury time goals from Christian Poulsen and Daniel Jensen turned it around for the Scandinavians. The only defeat came at home to Hungary in another wise dream campaign.

If they are to progress from a difficult group phase at the World Cup then similar form will need to be shown by Olsen's Eleven.

WORLD CUP HISTORY

To date, the 1992 European champions have had a less illustrious World Cup history. 1998 saw Denmark's best performance at a World Cup Finals. The Brian Laudrup and Peter Schmeichel lead team knocked out a previously impressive Nigeria team 4-1, only to lose 3-2 to Brazil in the quarter final in one of the games of the tournament.

1986 & 2002: 2nd Round  

SCHEDULE- Group E

Holland         June 14th- Johannesburg

Cameroon    June 19th- Pretoria

Japan           June 24th- Rustenburg

Considering the team's form coming into the tournament and the countries history of having never been knocked out in the group phase, the Danish squad will be confident of progression.

The rise of a new generation of players has seen this Denmark team reborn since their last major international involvement since 2004. Such fearlessness will need to be on show to get by Japan and primarily Cameroon, if they are to progress in second place.

Having the Dutch first will be either a blessing or a curse. Lose and pressure will be on to beat Cameroon but draw and confidence will be high going into the last two games, knowing four points will be enough.

KEY PLAYERS

While there is still a reliance on Jon Dal Tomasson, Denis Rommedahl, Martin Jorgensen and Jesper Gronkjaer, a wave of new talent has emerged to complement the old.

In attack, Nicklas Bendtner is the new star of Danish football. The Arsenal forward is even dating royalty from his homeland because his stock is so high. His beautifully executed goal against Portugal showed what he is capable of.

In defence Simon Kjaer has emerged as hot property in the last two years. The Palermo defender's price tag may rise even further with a good showing in South Africa. Getting into first XI will be his priority though. 

Christian Poulsen has emerged as the driving force of the team in recent years. The defensive midfielder may be down the pecking order at Juventus but his passing and breaking up of play, which he performed so well for Sevilla, are essential for his national team. Any absences may cost his team.

Thomas Sorensen has finally emerged as an adequate replacement for Schmeichel. The Stoke goalkeeper is a veteran of 86 caps but he is only currently in his prime. The combination of himself, Kjaer and Daniel Agger should be capable of handling any opposition.

ONE TO WATCH- Nicklas Bendtner

The Arsenal striker is often criticised for missing chances but there is no doubting his ball control and even his dribbling ability is good for a big man.

BEST CASE SCENARIO...

A second place finish in the group followed by a second round victory over Italy is not completely out of the question. The Azzurri are at their weakest in years so a quarter final rematch with Brazil may be on the cards 12 years on. 

WORST CASE SCENARIO...

Cameroon may come good and squeeze into second place and end Denmark's aspirations after only two games.

PREDICTION

At least the second round and maybe further...