[Europe Group 1]
8 matches 5 Wins 2 Ties 1 Loss (17 Points)
| 9/1/96 | Vs. Slovakia | Win | 0-2 |
| 10/9/96 | Vs. Greece | Win | 2-1 |
| 3/29/97 | Vs. Croatia | Draw | 1-1 |
| 4/30/97 | Vs. Slovenia | Win | 4-0 |
| 6/8/97 | Vs. Bosnia | Win | 2-0 |
| 8/20/97 | Vs. Bosnia | Lose | 3-0 |
| 9/10/97 | Vs. Croatia | Lose | 3-1 |
| 10/11/97 | Vs. Greece | Draw | 0-0 |
| Offense |
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Defense |
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| Organization |
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Experience |
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| Talent |
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Capacity to surprise |
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The main pillar of this team is three players: the Laudrup brothers and the goalkeeper Schmichel. To put it another way, the degree of dependence on these veterans shows the tough state of things for Denmark.
The main point for the Danes is the stable defense of which they are so proud. Schmichel is so good that everyone recognizes him as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. The 4-man line defense is strong with Rieper and Hogh in the center. Moreover, the sides Laursen on the right and Heintze on the left concentrate on defense and stay out of the offense almost completely. There is absolutely nothing to worry about on the defense.
From midfield on can only be described as struggling. Of the four players, Allan Nielsen and Frandsen play thoroughly defensive midfield roles and the offense is entrusted to the veteran Michael Laudrup in the command tower and Helveg, who opens up the right side. Reserves include Peter Nielsen and Schoenberg, but none of them go beyond Michael. Considering the protracted World Cup tournament, it will be difficult for Michael to carry this role in all the games. If Denmark aims to win through the preliminaries or advance into the upper ranks, it will be extremely difficult unless one of the younger players emerges at this position. The forwards are set with Michael Laudrup and his brother Brian, who make a superior combination. The most powerful candidate to be their partner is Molnar, followed by Beck with his severe ups and downs and Tomasson. If Denmark gets its way, Brian can be explosive, but it is hard to rely on that alone.
*DANSK BOLDSPIL UNION
[Address]
- Ideraettens Hus,
- Brondby stadion 20,
- 2605 Brondby
- Rio de Janeiro
[Established] 1889
*2nd World Cup
(1986, 1998)
No championships |
Michael LAUDRUP
* Midfielder
The play of this seasoned veteran of whom Denmark is so proud will determine the fortune of his team.
Michael Laudrup, who was once with Vissel Kobe is the biggest athletic star in Denmark, as proven by the fact that he was selected the most valuable player of the last 40 years in 1997. In his brilliant career, he has played with one of the world's famous teams after another. At the age of 20, he was transferred to Lazio and afterwards played for Juventus, Barcelona, and Real Madrid among others. This proves that he is truly a world-class player. Now that he is a veteran, he plays in the command tower, but in the past the overflowing speed of his dribbling was his major characteristic. He played in the 1986 World Cup and in this World Cup, combines with his brother Brian. They will be waiting to pounce like tigers in order to lead Denmark through the preliminaries into the championship rounds.
Bo JOHANSSON
Moeller Nielsen, who led the Danes to the championship at Euro 92, stepped down after Euro 96 and Bo Johansson took his place. In order to rejuvenate his slumping team, he called back the veteran Michael Laudrup. This was like the signal for the resurrection of the Danish team. From clubs in his native Sweden to Panathinaikos in Greece, he has coached the Finnish national team and such famed Danish squads as Jirkenberg and Helsinborg. As a coach, he has a wealth of experience and he is quite popular with the players for his gentle character.
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