A long-tenured coach and a strong core of experienced players should help the Danish team turn in a more than respectable performance in South Africa.
Country: Denmark
Team: The Danish Dynamite
Colors: Red and white
Formation: 4-3-3
Often overlooked but never forgotten, Denmark is hoping to get back to good form after failing to qualify for the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
The Danish Dynamite are a volatile mix of power and speed. They will attempt to keep the ball in the middle of the field to stop teams from running all over their aging wingers. And they will mount a well-orchestrated, disciplined attack to score on opponents.
The Danes are dangerous with set pieces. They’ll try to slow down the pace of the game, relying on corners and free kicks to open up the offense and put pressure on opponents.
Key Players: Daniel Agger, Christian Poulsen and Nicklas Bendtner
When he goes up against the Dutch, Agger, a 6’3” center back, will keep a close eye on his Liverpool club teammate Dirk Kuyt. He plays a pivotal role in every set piece; and don’t be surprised if you see his powerful left leg take some long shots at the net.
Poulsen will play the central holding defender; he’ll be in charge of slowing down the game and directing traffic while on the attack. The attack, however, is a question mark. Bendtner can be brilliant at times, puzzling at others. For his performance in the qualifiers, he was voted Danish Player of the Year. But he is known for making easy goals difficult. He must be on top of his game if the Danes hope to advance.
Key Matchup: Denmark vs. Cameroon
The Dynamite will have to blow through the Cameroonians to move on. Their defense must shut down one of the world’s best strikers, Samuel Eto’o, and Bendtner and Company must find a way to score. This match could be the deciding game for second place in Group E.
Prediction:
The state of Denmark could mean something rotten for their opponents in South Africa. The question is, can they put together two 90-plus minute games against top teams? Expect a noble effort but an early exit out of the group stage.
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A long-tenured coach and a strong core of experienced players should help the Danish team turn in a more than respectable performance in South Africa.
Country: Denmark
Team: The Danish Dynamite
Colors: Red and white
Formation: 4-3-3
Often overlooked but never forgotten, Denmark is hoping to get back to good form after failing to qualify for the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
The Danish Dynamite are a volatile mix of power and speed. They will attempt to keep the ball in the middle of the field to stop teams from running all over their aging wingers. And they will mount a well-orchestrated, disciplined attack to score on opponents.
The Danes are dangerous with set pieces. They’ll try to slow down the pace of the game, relying on corners and free kicks to open up the offense and put pressure on opponents.
Key Players: Daniel Agger, Christian Poulsen and Nicklas Bendtner
When he goes up against the Dutch, Agger, a 6’3” center back, will keep a close eye on his Liverpool club teammate Dirk Kuyt. He plays a pivotal role in every set piece; and don’t be surprised if you see his powerful left leg take some long shots at the net.
Poulsen will play the central holding defender; he’ll be in charge of slowing down the game and directing traffic while on the attack. The attack, however, is a question mark. Bendtner can be brilliant at times, puzzling at others. For his performance in the qualifiers, he was voted Danish Player of the Year. But he is known for making easy goals difficult. He must be on top of his game if the Danes hope to advance.
Key Matchup: Denmark vs. Cameroon
The Dynamite will have to blow through the Cameroonians to move on. Their defense must shut down one of the world’s best strikers, Samuel Eto’o, and Bendtner and Company must find a way to score. This match could be the deciding game for second place in Group E.
Prediction:
The state of Denmark could mean something rotten for their opponents in South Africa. The question is, can they put together two 90-plus minute games against top teams? Expect a noble effort but an early exit out of the group stage.
Related link: World Cup 2010 Countdown