Denmark World Cup 2018
Denmark return to the World Cup finals having failed to qualify in 2014, with Russia 2018 being their fifth finals overall. Denmark do not have a great World Cup history or pedigree, with appearances being few and far between.
History at the World Cup
Overall, they have qualified for four finals in their history and have made it to the Quarter Finals just once. They first qualified for a World Cup finals in 1986, where they reached the last 16, and didn’t qualify again until 1998. That tournament in France was their best ever effort, finishing second behind France in the group stage and beating Nigeria in the last 16, before losing out to eventual finalists Brazil.
A place in the last 16 followed four-years later, but they have qualified just once since then. That appearance being a short one, as they exited at the group stage in 2010.
- World Cup Finals Appearances – 4
- Previous Best Performance – Quarter Finals
How they qualified
Two defeats from their opening three qualifying matches meant that Denmark were always lagging in their UEFA qualification group. However, they strung together a seven-match unbeaten run to ensure they would finish in second place, four points clear of Montenegro in third. That set up a tough play-off against Republic of Ireland, which was made even tougher by the Irish holding them to a goalless draw in the first leg, meaning they would have to get a win or score draw in Dublin to qualify. It was a case of cometh the hour, cometh the man, for Denmark as their star player Christian Eriksen hit a hat-trick in a 5-1 victory to book them a place in Russia.
Coach/Manager
Former Norway international Age Hareide is head coach of the Denmark national team.
As a player, in the early 1980’s, Hareide played in England for Manchester City and Norwich City so older English football fans may recognise him.
Since hanging up his playing boots, he has transitioned into a successful manager and is the only coach to win the league title in all three of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
He was head coach of the Norwegian national team for five years between 2003 – 2008, stepping down from his position after a bad start to qualifying for the 2010 World Cup.
Hareide became Denmark national team head coach in March 2016.
Star Players
Denmark’s star player, and the most important member of their squad, is without doubt Christian Eriksen.
The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder is a three-time Danish footballer of the year, and has earned seventy-five caps for his country even though he’s still only twenty-five years old.
He top-scored for the Danes during the group stage of qualifying, with eight goals, and his hat-trick and overall performance in that second leg against Ireland is the main reason Denmark will be appearing in Russia.
Denmark World Cup 2018: Assessing Their Chances & Odds
Denmark have been given a difficult group but one they will fancy their chances of advancing from, alongside France, Australia, and Peru. The bookmakers have them priced at 9/2 to win the group, making them clear second favourites ahead of Peru (10/1) and Australia (14/1). It is a vote of confidence from the bookies, despite the fact they are ranked lower than Peru in the FIFA rankings.
With a player like Eriksen in their team, who can change a game with one moment of magic, it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that Denmark could win the group, although it’s more likely they will battle Peru for the runners-up spot. If they do go through in second place, it would likely set up a last 16 tie with Argentina. Which is where their World Cup will probably end.
Our Denmark World Cup Prediction
We do not agree with the bookmakers that Denmark are so far ahead of Peru and Australia, although we do think they will be there or thereabouts for a place in the last 16. Denmark have a fantastic chance of going through, but they will likely exit in the last 16 if they make it that far.