DENMARK TEAM PROFILE

MORTEN OLSEN took the job in July 2000 after Denmark suffered a poor campaign in the Euros. His first task was to guide his team, then known as 'Olsen's Eleven,' to the World Cup finals in Japan and Korea where he famously oversaw the elimination of holders France in the group stage before being knocked out by England in the second round. Olsen, who won over 100 caps as a defender, was at the peak of his popularity at this time and turned down offers from elsewhere to sign a new four-year deal with the Danish FA. He then guided his side to Euro 2004 but this time they fell short of expectation by failing to emerge from their group. Denmark have not qualified for a major tournament since then and have been undergoing a transitional period as key players like Brian Laudrup, Thomas Gravesen, Ebbe Sand and Martin Laursen departed the international scene for different reasons. Olsen, 60, has remained in the job despite criticism from sections of the media. His contract expires after the next World Cup and he has announced his intention to step down by recommending Michael Laudrup as his successor. DANGER MAN: THIS is not a vintage class of Danish players but Nicklas Bendtner stands out as one of the few players to be playing in the Champions League this season. The Arsenal striker scored some vital goals in qualifying, including the first in a sensational 3-2 win in Portugal which condemned Cristiano Ronaldo and co to the play-offs. He also netted the priceless goal in Portugal which earned his side a point in a 1-1 draw. Bendtner, 21, has been a regular for Arsenal for most of the season and has already been named Denmark's Player of the Year for 2009. While playing in a two-man front line he has arguably looked more dangerous at international level than he does playing wide for the Gunners. He could pose a surprise threat for his country at the World Cup because defenders who have not played against him will expect his threat to come from the air. His partnership with Morten Rasmussen has been worked on since some stormy days together in the Under-21s, when Bendtner described the Brondby striker as "the lesser player" when he made way for him near the end of a match against the Netherlands. It is still possible he could partner former Newcastle and AC Milan striker Jon Dahl Tomasson in attack if Olsen decides he needs an experienced player in his front line. ROUTE TO SOUTH AFRICA: Denmark qualified impressively and topped their group by taking four points from second-placed Portugal, including an excellent 3-2 away win. They also scored a notable 'double' victory over neighbours Sweden, beating them 1-0 home and away. They finished two points clear of Portugal. WORLD CUP HISTORY: 1986: Second round 1998: Quarter-finals 2002: Second round WORLD CUP HIGHLIGHT: Their greatest moment was perhaps the 6-1 demolition of a fancied Uruguay at Mexico '86. Preben Elkjaer scored a memorable hat-trick. COUNTRY POPULATION: 5.5million NUMBER OF PROFESSIONAL TEAMS: 28 NATIONAL BEER: Carlsberg Source:newsoftheworld.co.uk/