STAR WORLD CUP 2010 SOUTH AFRICA: Worldcup 2010 Group E : Denmark

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Worldcup 2010 Group E : Denmark

Denmark

Coach: Morten Olsen

Morten Olsen is the Head Coach of the Danish National Team and was appointed in 2000. He has successfully guided Denmark to the 2002 World Cup, Euro 2004 and will lead the Danes at World Cup 2010 in South Africa!

World Cup 2010 Qualifying:

Denmark reached their first major tournament since the 2004 European Championship courtesy of a 1-0 win over rivals Sweden in Copenhagen. Midfielder Jakob Poulsen's low, long-range strike in the 79th minute was enough to see off second-placed Sweden and ensure the Danes progression with one round of games remaining in Group One. Head Coach of Denmark Morten Olsen said "We played a better game so our win was well deserved. All the players who have been on the team have been fantastic."

Past World Cup Performance:

Denmark made their first World Cup appearance at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. With the legendary attacking duo of Michael Laudrup and Preben Elkjaer the team swept through the Group Stages and hopes were high after a 6-1 thrashing of Uruguay! In the second round the Danes faced Spain and were on the receiving end of a 5-1 beating which included 4 goals from Emilio Butragueno! Despite failing to qualify for the 1990 and 1994 World Cup's, Denmark won the European Championships in 1992 and their next World Cup qualification came in 1998 under the guidance of the Swedish Coach Swede Bo "Bosse" Johansson. The Laudrup brothers Michael and Brian were instrumental as the Danes made the Quarter Finals where they went out following a close 2-3 loss to eventual finalists Brazil! Denmark also qualified for World Cup 2002 and once again cleared the Group Stage and made the last 16 before a 3-0 defeat by England ended their tournament. After failing to qualify for the 2006 World Cup Morten Olsen considered his position as Head Coach but his decision to stay was vindicated as he successfully guided Denmark to their 4th World Cup Finals. Denmark are currently ranked a respectable 33rd in the World Standings and have been drawn against the Netherlands, Cameroon and Japan in the colourful Group E at World Cup 2010. Progress to the knockout stages looks a definite possibility for Morten Olsen's team and they will hope to find the spirit of 1992 once again!