This is Denmark’s sixth appearance at a World Cup, with their best outing so far a quarter-final defeat at France 1998 to eventual finalists Brazil. Historically they have not posed too much of a threat to the powerhouses of international football, but it might just be a different story this time around.
The Danes have been in excellent form over the past few years – which initially saw them qualify unbeaten for Euro 2020 followed by a run to the final four of the tournament, which was cruelly ended by England with a Harry Kane extra-time goal ultimately dumping them out.
Here to assess their chances of going again at the World Cup 2022 is Paddy Power football trader Dan Tobin.
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Denmark World Cup 2022 qualifying record
Amazingly, Denmark won their first eight qualifiers without conceding a goal. Kasper Schmeichel’s 100% clean sheet record was finally wiped out in the final minute of the ninth qualifier – a consolation goal for the Faroe Islands in a 3-1 win. A defeat followed in the Dane’s final qualifier – a 2-0 loss away to Scotland, and while losing their 100% record may have been disappointing, they had already automatically qualified by then and comfortably finished top of their group.
Wing-back Joakim Maehle and forward Andreas Olsen finished as Denmark’s joint-top scorers in with five goals each.
Who is the Denmark manager?
Kasper Hjulmand is the current Denmark boss, taking the job in August 2020. His managerial career began at Lyngby and then took him to Nordsjælland. Here he led the club to their first and only Danish Superliga title in the 2011-12 season. The achievement saw him get a big move to Mainz in Germany, coming in as Thomas Tuchel’s replacement.
However, he lasted just nine months in the job before returning to Nordsjælland for another three-year stint before moving to the national team gig. Hjulmand has overseen two very successful qualifying campaigns and a run to the semi-final of Euro 2020. He has won 22 out of 32 games as manager, giving him a 69% winning record – the best of any Danish manager ever.
Denmark World Cup squad
In recent times, Denmark have primarily gone with a 3-4-3 formation, and given the success it’s brought them any changes for the World Cup are unlikely. Given their relatively small population, Denmark has a wealth of talent to choose from heading into this tournament. In goal, their regular first choice is Kasper Schmeichel – previously of Leicester City and now at Nice.
They generally play three centre-backs, and actually have four top-class ones to choose from – Andreas Christensen who recently joined Barcelona, Simon Kjaer of AC Milan, Joachim Andersen of Crystal Palace and Jannik Vestergaard of Leicester. Next, we have their wing-backs. On the left, the first choice is Joakim Maehle. On the right, there are a number of players who will feel they can make that position their own. Rasmus Kristensen, Jens Stryger Larsen and Daniel Wass will all fancy their chances.
The midfield two are generally the formidable pair of Tottenham Hotspur’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Sevilla’s Thomas Delaney. In the front three, Christian Eriksen is the talisman of the team and is always the first name on the team sheet. Andreas Olsen is another who has recently broken into the team and will be confident of starting. The last spot in the front three is up for grabs – Martin Braithwaite will hope that his vast experience will be enough to secure him the spot, although youngsters Kasper Dolberg and Mikkel Damsgaard will both feel that their youth and exuberance will tip the balance in their favour.
- Goalkeepers: Kasper Schmeichel, Oliver Christensen
- Defenders: Simon Kjaer, Joachim Andersen, Joakim Maehle, Andreas Christensen, Rasmus Kristensen, Jens Stryger Larsen, Victor Nelsson, Daniel Wass
- Midfielders: Thomas Delaney, Mathias Jensen, Christian Eriksen, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg
- Forwards: Andreas Skov Olsen, Jesper Lindstrom, Andreas Cornelius, Martin Braithwaite, Kasper Dolberg, Mikkel Damsgaard, Jonas Wind
Denmark Key Player
A very obvious one here, Denmark’s talisman is Manchester United’s Christian Eriksen. He is loved by fans and players alike, and the team getting to the semi-final of Euro 2020 following his cardiac arrest in their opening game was a testament to what he means to the squad – it inspired them to perform the way they did. Following his return at the start of 2022 with Brentford, he has recently found his best form again – winning player of the month for United for September. If he brings this form into the World Cup it will be a massive boost for Denmark.
Denmark One to Watch
Joakim Maehle doesn’t always start for his club Atalanta, but always seems to shine when playing for his national team. He has scored seven goals and collected four assists in 20 games across Euro 2020, World Cup 2022 qualification and the UEFA Nations League, all the while playing at left wing-back. He is certainly a player to keep an eye on, and one Denmark will need to perform if they are to have a successful World Cup.
Denmark World Cup Prospects
Denmark are joined in Group D by France, Tunisia and Australia. Both European sides will fancy their chances of qualifying from the group, and should comfortably win their games against Tunisia and Australia. The game between France and Denmark on matchday two could determine who wins the group, and when they met in the Nations League recently the Danes were victorious twice.
If Denmark do win the group, they will play the runners-up of Group C, expected to be Poland. They should be too strong in this match-up, and could then meet England at the quarter-final stage in a rematch of the Euro 2020 semi-final. If they get their revenge over the Three Lions, international powerhouses such as Spain, Germany, Belgium or Portugal could lie in wait at the final four stage, and that may be where their journey ends.
Denmark World Cup betting tips
As mentioned in the one to watch, Joakim Maehle is a key player for Denmark. Even though he operates at wing-back, he offers plenty of attacking threat, something which is clear to see given he has had 11 goals/assists in his last 20 competitive games for Denmark. This selection offers great value. DENMARK TOP TEAM GOAL SCORER: JOAKIM MAEHLE.
Denmark World Cup Winner Odds
Denmark World Cup 2022 Fixtures
November 22, 1pm: Denmark v Tunisia (ITV)
November 26, 4pm: France v Denmark (ITV)
November 30, 3pm: Australia v Denmark (BBC)
CLICK BELOW FOR TEAM PREVIEWS ON DENMARK’S GROUP D RIVALS
- France World Cup squad analysed
- Tunisia World Cup squad analysed
- Australia World Cup squad analysed
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
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