How Denmark can Escape the Group of Death

A ‘Group of Death’ is ascribed to every major football championships, and Euro 2012 is no different, with Group B hosting prospective champions, the Netherlands and Germany, and perennial under-achievers, Portugal, leaving poor Denmark to sweep up last place.

Denmark will be seen as the whipping boys for nations looking further than simple group qualification. Yet, they have the potential to create a real stir in Group B, and could provide an upset, amid three teams focussing to beat each other.

The Netherlands are first up for Denmark, and it’s difficult to see how Morten Olsen’s side can take anything away but a negative goal difference, against a team that netted 37 times in 10 qualification games, and are ranked fourth in the world.

However, Denmark’s second match against Portugal is definitely winnable for a nation that finished three points clear of Paulo Bento’s side, beating them 2-1 in Copenhagen along the way.

Resolute in their 4-4-2 formation, Olsen’s side benefit from a savvy back line, sat behind midfield all-rounder ,William Kvist.

Kvist’s defensive capabilities means that his midfield partner, Christian Eriksen, will run the show going forward, and the Ajax starlet is already expected to nail a big-money transfer off the back of this tournament.

If Eriksen can run the game as well as he did against England, back in February 2011, Denmark can overcome Portugal’s firepower.

It can be assumed that whoever wins between Germany and the Netherlands will top Group B, and, if Denmark can scalp Portugal, they should be level in second place going into the Germany clash.

Germany should control the game, but Denmark will have their chances; if they can hold their nerve, they could escape the dreaded Group of Death.

Find out the odds on Denmark to escape their European quagmire, with Euro 2012 betting online.