The Danish national team is facing unprecedented challenges as they prepare for the Euros. In the past, Denmark’s qualification for major tournaments was a sure success, but this time, the team is struggling to find its footing. The qualifying group was deemed easy, making qualification a necessity, yet the team failed to reach the heights expected for Euro 2021. This disappointment, coupled with a disastrous World Cup in Qatar, has left the team in a sour state.
There are minimal expectations for the Euros in Denmark at the moment. Peter Møller, director of football at the Danish FA, has expressed the ambition of progressing from the group, but hopes for more are scarce.
Christian Eriksen, celebrated as the best Danish player in the past 15 years, received an outpouring of support upon his return to football and the national team following his cardiac arrest at the 2021 Euros. However, Eriksen’s performance for Denmark has been inconsistent. While he has been involved in many goals, there are debates among fans and in the media about his effectiveness in controlling the game from central midfield. Denmark’s standout performance in the qualifiers against Slovenia occurred in Eriksen’s absence, sparking discussions about his role in the team.
Despite the debates, coach Kasper Hjulmand remains a staunch supporter of Eriksen, and it is unlikely that the midfielder will be benched. Many believe that the team relies on Eriksen’s playmaking abilities, although there is a hope that he will showcase his best form at the upcoming tournament.
Sebastian Stanbury (Journalist at Mediano)
