Denmark qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time since 2007. The Danes have endured 16 years of heartache despite having participated in the World Cup four times. Denmark benefited greatly from the increase in teams from 24 to 32 since they were seeded first in qualifying rather than the more challenging position of second. Denmark led a group that included Russia (who was eliminated halfway through qualifying), Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Azerbaijan, and Malta with eight victories in eight games, 40 goals scored, and just two goals allowed. Lars Sndergaard may set up his squad in several formations by starting with either a 3-4-3 or a 4-3-3.
Denmark enjoys maintaining possession. They are also not averse to defending and launching a counterattack. Veje, Nicoline Sorensen, and Sofie Svava’s dangerous crosses from the flanks are terrific weapons for Denmark, who will be a physical threat in the penalty area. Pernille Harder is the main character. However, Denmark has shown this spring that the club can play against some of the finest teams in the world and win even without Bayern Munich’s latest acquisition. Denmark has benefited from impressive victories against Norway, Japan, and notably Sweden.
The Manager
After the World Cup, the well-liked Lars Sndergaard will bid his dieu. Since December 2017, the 64-year-old has been in charge of the national team. This was his first experience coaching women, having previously worked with Danish teams including AaB, Viborg, and SnderjyskE as well as various Austrian teams.
Star player
There is no denying that Pernille Harder is not just the most well-known player on the Danish team but also one of the stars of the whole competition. This will be the 30-year-old’s first World Cup. Harder is the long-serving captain and all-time leading scorer for Denmark. She has twice been named the top female football player in the world by the Guardian and has won Uefa’s Women’s Player of the Year honor. She is now a World Cup competitor as well.
Rising star
Josefine Hasbo, a student by day and a football player by night, is not well known. However, if you’ve been watching US college football, particularly Harvard, you’re aware that they have a diamond in the middle of the pitch. The 21-year-old Hasbo, together with two other young talents in Holmgaard and Kühl, is likely to be crucial to the future of this Denmark team. She has delighted Roligans (Denmark’s supporters) with her tireless runs as a starter most of the time in 2023. Even though she might not start every game, she still contributes when needed.
Fun Fact
Denmark have won the World Cup before. Even if it was the illegal one in 1970 and 1971. However, the fact that the championship game in 1971 was played in front of more than 100,000 spectators in the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City is still noteworthy. 15-year-old Susanne Augustesen scored a hat-trick as Denmark defeated Mexico 3-0.
State of Football
Women’s football has increased dramatically after the women’s team placed second at the 2017 Euros. More of the biggest men’s teams are now contemplating forming a women’s squad. The Danish Women’s League and Champions League both drew record audiences to HB Kge. The national team played in front of 22,000 spectators at Parken Stadium, so things are going well. Compared to the men’s game, domestic league media coverage is poor and virtually nonexistent despite the popularity of the national team.
Our Prediction
Players and supporters alike hope that Denmark will advance to Group D, and that goal is attainable. Denmark should be able to overcome Haiti and China in the group stage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. The latter is their strongest rival for a spot in the knockout round despite England being the frontrunner. Anything can happen after that.
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