After a six-year absence, Denmark is once again set to explode on the elite world soccer scene.
The Scandinavians missed out on both the 2006 World Cup in Germany and Uefa (Union of European Football Associations) 2008, but blazed an impressive trail en route to a berth in South Africa.
The Danes will now be looking to extend their admirable record at three previous finals appearances, where they reached the Round of 16 twice and the quarterfinals on the other occasion.
The road to South Africa
The Danes saw off big-name rivals Portugal and Sweden in European qualifying Group 1 to top the group with just one defeat in their ten matches. Campaign highlights included a 3-2 win and 1-1 draw with the Portuguese and home and away wins over neighbours Sweden.
Star players
National captain Tomasson currently leads the Feyenoord forward line, while Daniel Agger, midfield trio Daniel Jensen, Christian Poulsen and Dennis Rommedahl, and striker Nicklas Bendtner, come with valuable international experience.
The coach
Morten Olsen will complete a decade as Denmark head coach at the finals in South Africa. He took the helm in 2000, guiding Denmark to the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004. He has yet to indicate whether he will extend his current contract, set to expire after the 2010 tournament.
Facts
- South Africa will be Denmark’s fourth appearance at the World Cup.
- The Danes made the Round of 16 in 1986 and 2002, and the quarterfinals in 1998. — Fifa