Euro 2012: Group of Death Predictions & Preview

Denmark

The Danes won the European Championship in 1992, the only time in their history. They reached the quarter final stage in 2004 but then failed to even qualify in 2008. With Holland, Germany and Portugal in the same group, it is difficult to give them a fighting chance on paper. Only Greece scored fewer goals in qualifying. They have also lost 12 out of 24 matches at European Championships, more than any other team in history. Only two of their 23 man squad have ever played at a European Championship before. However, they shocked Europe by winning the Championship in '92, eliminating then holders Holland after Peter Schmeichel saved a Marco van Basten penalty in a semi-final penalty shootout. They then beat Germany 2-0 in the final; they of course meet both these sides again in the Group Stages - can they do the unthinkable and emulate the team of '92 by beating both? Probably not. Star Performer: Christian Eriksen He may have only scored two International goals in 21 appearances, but he has won the Eredivisie back to back with Ajax. He also won the Danish Football Player of the Year award last season, putting his name alongside former winners Peter Schmeichel, Martin Laursen and Jon Dahl Tomasson. At just twenty years old, he has already made a name for himself and has a promising future, but Euro 2012 has come too soon for he and his team mates to have a major influence. Prediction: 4th
Contributor
Contributor

Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.