Three hopes, One Fear: Denmark at the 2018 World Cup

Denmark is in its fifth World Cup overall. They have reached the knockout stages in three of the previous four World Cups in which they have qualified. They are known for their “Dynamite”, their Roligans, and being the “Happiest Country in the World”. Here are three hopes and one fear for the Danes in the 2018 FIFA World Cup:

Hope #1: Eriksen’s form carries over from Spurs

No doubt, their best player right now is Christian Eriksen. He featured for Spurs this season and is also featuring for Denmark. Coach Age Hareide called him “an inspiration to those around him, a world-class player” after his hat trick in the playoff against Republic of Ireland. Eriksen will need to be that inspiration if Denmark is going to go far in this World Cup.

Hope #2: That others can compliment Eriksen.

Denmark play a direct style and while Eriksen is their best star, there are other players to look out for. Up front, both Andreas Cornelius and Nicolai Jorgensen to play up front if Nicklas Bendtner can’t go. Pione Sisto is an up and coming player for the Danes. Simon Kjaer is expected to anchor the defense. And of course, there will likely be Kasper Schmeichel in goal.

Hope #3: That they can get their defense settled.

Defense has been an issue as Age Hareide has struggled to find a center-back pairing and there are also issues at left and right back. Simon Kjaer and Chelsea’s Andreas Christensen could fill two of the spots, but no matter who they are playing, they will need to get their defense set—especially against Peru and France.

The Big Fear: That a stumble against Peru and Australia could lead to an early exit.

If Denmark can get by Peru and Australia, then they will have a great chance to reach the second round when they face France on the 26th. Stumbling against either or both of those two teams, and the Danes will likely to need something against the French and possible hope for a favorable result in the other Group C match in Sochi.

Denmark were the fashionable Nordic team in the World Cup whenever they made it before Iceland were. People talked about their fans painting their faces in the shape of the Danish flag. Denmark has the experience on their side and will look towards it (and Eriksen in particular) to get them to the knockout stages.