The Denmark team, with a guaranteed strength, promises to bring many interesting and surprising elements to EURO 2024 this summer.
With their participation in the EURO 2024 tournament held in Germany this summer, the Danish national team has reached a total of 9 appearances at the grand football event on the continent. Stepping into each EURO tournament, although not on par with top names like England, France, Portugal, or Spain, what defines the Danish national team and earns admiration from everyone is the array of emotions they bring.
Let's analyze why the Danish team is considered a "wildcard" at EURO 2024.
Journey to EURO 2024Denmark was in Group H of the EURO 2024 qualifiers with evenly matched opponents like Finland, Kazakhstan, Northern Ireland, Slovenia, and San Marino. After 10 matches in the group stage, the "Danish Dynamite" secured 7 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses, accumulating 22 points, tied with Slovenia but ranked higher due to a better head-to-head record.
[caption id="attachment_5381" align="alignnone" width="600"] Denmark easily secured their spot in EURO 2024. (Photo: Getty)[/caption]
With this performance, it can be said that Denmark didn't face many obstacles and easily secured their spot in Germany for EURO 2024.
Squad StrengthOverall, Denmark's squad strength cannot be compared to other European powerhouses. However, when considering the quality of the stars in the lineup, the team from Northern Europe cannot be underestimated.
In goal, goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel continues to demonstrate excellent form at Anderlecht. Surely, his wealth of international experience will provide reassurance to the players ahead of him.
[caption id="attachment_5382" align="alignnone" width="600"] Denmark relies on the extensive experience of Kasper Schmeichel. (Photo: Getty)[/caption]
In defense, the trio of Joachim Andersen, Andreas Christensen, and captain Simon Kjaer will form a solid defensive line for Denmark.
In midfield, veteran Christian Eriksen will lead the team's attacking plays. Although not in top form at Manchester United, the importance of the former Tottenham star cannot be denied whenever he plays for the national team. Playing alongside Eriksen, one cannot overlook Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, a player gradually regaining form after a period on the bench at Tottenham.
In the forward line, goal-scoring duties will be entrusted to Rasmus Hojlund. The Manchester United player is gradually finding his rhythm in the Premier League with more consistent performances than earlier in the season, and it is hoped that this form will be carried into EURO.
[caption id="attachment_5385" align="alignnone" width="600"] Hojlund promises to bring many goals for Denmark at EURO 2024. (Photo: Getty)[/caption]
Past EURO PerformancesDenmark once lifted the EURO trophy in 1992, when they only participated as a replacement for Yugoslavia, and thereafter, the "Danish Dynamite" wrote a fairy tale by reaching the final and clinching the championship by defeating the formidable German team 2-0 in the final match.
[caption id="attachment_5383" align="alignnone" width="600"] Denmark wrote a fairy tale by winning EURO 1992. (Photo: Getty)[/caption]
Furthermore, Denmark finished fourth in EURO 1964, reached the quarter-finals in EURO 2004, and reached the semi-finals in EURO 1984 and 2020.
ConclusionAt EURO 2024, Denmark is in Group C alongside Slovenia, England, and Serbia. Besides England, who are considered the highest-rated team, the other two opponents are seen as teams that "Danish Dynamite" can hope to surpass, thereby continuing a silent journey like what was achieved at EURO 1992.
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