Danes not to be underestimated

Few nations would swap places with Denmark who have to take on the Netherlands, Germany and Portugal at Euro 2012.

But having been crowned surprise European champions in 1992, the Danes know they are always capable of pulling off a shock.

At first glance, it looks likely that they will be propping up Group B after the preliminary games - but that would be to ignore the lessons of history and the Danes' dynamic determination in major tournaments.

Their opponents would do well to take their challenge seriously.

On paper all the other teams are better than us, but if they underestimate us they'll be making a very big mistake, striker Nicklas Bendtner told Reuters recently.

Nor will the Danish fans be happy just to take part in the tournament, according to Peter Schmeichel, who kept goal at the 1992 tournament.

As soon as Denmark qualify, the fans will expect them to do well, he said. There is no less pressure on Denmark than for the bigger countries.

The Danes open their campaign against the Netherlands on June 9 in a game that is unlikely to hold any surprises for either team.

Denmark's 4-3-3 formation and dedication to quick, passing football mirrors the Dutch philosophy, and a sojourn in the Dutch league is almost 'de rigueur' for Danish players plying their trade outside their home country.

Next up for will be Portugal, from whom Denmark took four points in qualifying to top their group. They also beat Portugal into second place in qualifying for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, giving the Danes an important psychological advantage.

Ominously for Portugal, Sunderland striker Bendtner has scored in all three of his competitive outings against them.

Germany may prove a tougher nut to crack, but should the Danes be able to secure some points in the first two matches, they may not need to go all-out in the final group game on June 17 to progress.

... contd.

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