FIFA 2018 World Cup team analysis: Denmark look to punch above their weight

FIXTURE | GROUP C ANALYSIS | TEAM ANALYSIS: FRANCE

Germany and Brazil head into the World Cup as favourites but will they be able to ward off other talented squads like Argentina, Spain and Belgium?

myKhel.com breaks down the chances of the the teams playing in the World Cup.

Country: Denmark

Placed in Group C with Australia, Peru and France

Fixtures June 16: vs Peru (Mordovia, 9.30 pm IST)

June 21: vs Australia (Samara, 5.30 pm IST)

June 26: vs France (Luzhniki, 7.30 pm IST)

FIFA ranking: 12

Previous World Cup: Group Stage (2010)

Best finish: Quarterfinals (1998)

Star players: Christian Eriksen (Tottenham Hotspur, midfielder), Kasper Schmeichel (Leicester, Goalkeeper), Nicolai Jorgensen (Feyenoord, forward).

Coach: Age Hareide

Her er de 11 startere til Herrelandsholdets kamp mod Mexico. Kom så!#ForDanmark pic.twitter.com/E1BKu8PHJa

— Fodboldlandsholdene (@dbulandshold) June 9, 2018

Team analysis - Denmark

The Danes neither have a storied tradition in the World Cup like some of their European neighbours nor can boast of an ensemble of exciting talents. But what they have is a pragmatic coach in Hareide and a direct 4-3-3 playing style. Denmark now may not play that spectacular kind of football that they used to play under Morten Olsen but the results have been bright.

In 2017, they remained unbeaten and had some remarkable wins over Poland (4-0) and in the qualification play off against Ireland (5-1). Christian Eriksen, the Tottenham winger, is the star player in the side. The 26-year-old, who was part of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa as an 18-year-old - has now matured into a world class orchestrator.

Så er det muligt at sikre sig sin billet til den sidste testkamp før VM. Køb din billet lige her: https://t.co/mEwVDAOFvZ#FORDANMARK pic.twitter.com/cxlqJMSfUF

— Dansk Boldspil-Union (@DBUfodbold) May 9, 2018

Eriksen can score his share of goals and can set up his teammates as well. His efforts will be crucial for Denmark's progress in the tournament. The other two players to keep an eye on are Nicolai Jorgensen and Pione Sisto. Jorgensen has been in fine touch for Feyenoord scoring 21 goals in Serie A. Sisto was the mainstay of Celta Vigo last season and can make some quick forays into the rival territory through the wings.

And they have a very good goalkeeper in Schmeichel, son of legendary Peter Schmeichel, but he will have to stay alert full time because the Denmark defence is a bit shaky and can jangle under pressure.

Great team performance and clean sheet in our last friendly before Russia 🙏🏻🇩🇰 pic.twitter.com/vp7x6wR24x

— Kasper Schmeichel (@kschmeichel1) June 9, 2018

Prediction: Denmark do not seem to have the ammunition to power past France but Australia and Peru should be within their range. They can be expected to qualify as the second team behind France to the Round of 16.