Philip Rolfe

26th November 2011

Varese manager takes Dutch job

In a shock move, the Dutch Football Association have today unveiled Varese manager Philip Rolfe as their new manager. At a press conference the decision to hire the young tactician was greeted with its fair share of shocked cries, but a majority of the Dutch media are in approval of the selection. Englishman Rolfe will continue in his role with Varese, whom he has taken from Serie C1/A in the depths of Italy to become UEFA Cup holders and making fine progress in the European Cup, and combine it with the post of Dutch coach. He said "It's an honour to manager such a prestigious nation. To be able to call yourself manager of the World Cup holders is something to behold, and rest assured, I will do my utmost to retain the trophy in Sweden and Norway in 2014. We have no qualifiers, but I am sure we can prepare properly, as I get to grips with my squad."

The Dutch media are seemingly in approval of the choice. Wim Holters, a journalist with World Soccer, said: "Rolfe has a record with Varese which is almost unrivalled. Turning a team nobody had heard of into a big name club takes some considerable ability. He has also done it by mainly using young players, whom he has developed into superstars. One only has to look at the likes of Stilianos Doukas and Carlos Alberto Viera Dos Santos, and even Andrea Todisco and Gaetano Montanari. If he brings the same ethos to Holland, he'll be popular." Rolfe is believed to have agreed a three year contract, due to expire after the next World Cup.

In brief...

Terry Yorath has been named as Mark Hughes' successor in the Welsh national job. The 61 year old former international will continue to manage Birmingham City whilst taking on the responsibility of managing the principality.

Carsten Unger has been persuaded back by a rather desperate Serbia & Montenegron FA after a lack of interest in the post.

Philip Rolfe

Spotlight on....

Javier Portillo

If there is a more complete and consistent scorer of goals in Europe then we are perhaps yet to witness him. 29 year old Spaniard Javier GarcÃ*a Portillo is having a wonderful season with Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers, and is outshining fellow compatriots Raúl and Fernando Torres at bitter rivals Celtic. At an average of over a goal per game, he is also the top scorer in this season's European Cup.
He joined for a mammoth £17.75m back exactly one year ago from French giants Lyon. Whilst in Lyonnais, Portillo smashed 153 goals in just 175 games, showing form which attracted suitors from around Europe. He agreed a deal to rejoin Real Madrid, who sold him for just £2.8m four and a half seasons before. However, a transfer wrangle between the two clubs meant the deal broke down, and Rangers took their chance. The left footer, who struck an incredible 48 goals in the 2009/10 season to win the ESM Golden Shoe Award, has never been in better form. Therefore it remains incredible that he is yet to be awarded a senior cap by Spain. Jose Antonio Camacho, VÃ*ctor Fernández, and now Miguel Ã�ngel Lotina have somehow decided to overlook the talents exhibited by Porti-gol. It's something which irritates the forward: "I really don't know what I have to do. All I can do is continue scoring, which I have done, and yet I am not given a cap. However, I will not dwell on such matters, as I am sure my time will arrive."
With Spain not present at Euro 2012, his time may arrive sooner than he hopes. Despite Miguel Ã�ngel Lotina still being in a job, there is much outcry at the decision taken by the Spanish Football Association, and the only way the former Celta boss can appease his critics is to allow the likes of Torres and Portillo to shoot Spain to glory in time for the 2014 in Sweden and Norway. If allowed, Javier GarcÃ*a Portillo might just emerge as one of his country's all-time legends.

Profile
Date of Birth - 30th March 1982
Club - Glasgow Rangers
Career Appearances/Goals - 294/248
Previous Clubs - Real Madrid, Lyon
Honours - French League Champion 2007, FIFA Club World Championship 2007, French Cup 2007, 2008, French First Division Player of the Year 2008/09, 2009/10, French Players First Division Player of the Year 2008/09, 2009/10

Philip Rolfe

8th February 2012

Europe awaits Finals draw

Just 72 hours seperate sixteen nations and their fate in June's European Championships. At 10am on Saturday morning, Oslo will host a mass media convention of sorts when a majority of the footballing world converge on the Norwegian capital to witness the draw. It will all be hosted by the Oslo City Hall, with the usual artwork making way temporarily for an important part in Norway's biggest logistical operation ever. It will not be a new experience to any of the countries involved, with everyone involved having appeared at least once in the Finals themselves. The ceremony itself is expected to last a toal of three hours: UEFA President Per Ravn Omdal will greet the guests before a show will be put on exhibiting traditional Norwegian culture. Each of the eight stadia to be used will be profiled at specified times throughout, with the actual draw itself proving a climax. Thereafter will follow time for media members to undertake questioning of designated national managers and staff.

Philip Rolfe

European Championships set to produce some thrilling football

At the Official draw for the Group Stage of the Norway 2012 European Championships, there were a fair number of surprises thrown into the mix. With no seedings in process, any combination of groupings was possible, and as usual occured. Group One will be very much a Scandinavian affair, with Denmark, Iceland and hosts Norway joined by impressive qualifiers Portugal. Group Two looks to be simple enough for Italy, at least on paper, but Romania, Scotland, and Sweden (whom Italy faced during qualifying) will be nothing further from easy. Group Three appears to be dominated by Eastern European Nations, as Turkey, Ukraine, and Croatia are all drawn together. Tournament favourites France are also in the mix. And Group Four is perhaps the most intriguing, as two potentially explosive matches will happen. England will have to face Germany first up in Stavanger before meeting Republic of Ireland in Lillestrøm. Bulgaria will not be a pushover either. It will certainly be a tournament to pay attention to, as we can expect cracking football throughout, a promise stated by the tournament organisers.

Group One (Ulleval, Oslo, and Lerkendal Stadion,Trondheim)
-----------------
Denmark
Iceland
Norway
Portugal

Fixtures
9.6.12: Norway vs Portugal
11.6.12: Iceland vs Denmark
13.6.12: Denmark vs Norway
14.6.12: Portugal vs Iceland
19.6.12: Norway vs Iceland
19.6.12: Portugal vs Denmark

Group Two (Brann Stadion, Bergen, and Marienlyst Stadion, Drammen)
----------------
Italy
Romania
Scotland
Sweden

Fixtures
10.6.12: Romania vs Italy
11.6.12: Sweden vs Scotland
14.6.12: Italy vs Sweden
16.6.12: Scotland vs Romania
19.6.12: Scotland vs Italy
19.6.12: Sweden vs Romania

Group Three (Bislett Stadion, Oslo, and Kristiansand Stadion, Kristiansand)
-----------------
Ukraine
Turkey
Croatia
France

Fixtures
10.6.12: France vs Croatia
12.6.12: Ukraine vs Turkey
15.6.12: Turkey vs France
17.6.12: Croatia vs Ukraine
20.6.12: France vs Ukraine
20.6.12: Croatia vs Turkey

Group Four (Stavanger Stadion, Stavanger, and Åråsen Stadion, Lillestrøm)
----------------
England
Germany
R.Ireland
Bulgaria

Fixtures
10.6.12: England vs Germany
12.6.12: Bulgaria vs Ireland
15.6.12: Germany vs Bulgaria
17.6.12: Ireland vs England
20.6.12: Ireland vs Germany
20.6.12: Bulgaria vs England

displaced_seagull

Bloody hell, I wouldn't fancy our chances in Group 4 :o

Cracking stuff Juni - and I see the names may change, but UEFA's 'big ideas' still stay the same - a show will be put on exhibiting traditional Norwegian culture indeed

Philip Rolfe

Cheers Stu :thup:

24th March 2012
With time running out until the deadline for squads to be named for Euro 2012, tonights friendly round will present a good opportunity for the sixteen nations to improve their preparation....

France were held by Spain to a 1-1 draw in Albacete. Lotina's side, who will not be present in June, had a very typical Lotina feel to them, to which the fans showed their disgust with their feet. The stadium wasn't even half full. Despite this, Guayre gave them a lead which was only cancelled out late in the day by Newcastle debutant Jean-Christophe Ahmetovic, who might just have played himself into contention for Paul Le Guen's thoughts.

Italy and Germany also shared a 1-1 draw. Alberto Gilardino now seems set to lead the Italian line after another goal continued an impressive international record, and also equalised Kai Brand's seventeenth German goal. Injury-permitting, the Union Berlin forward will be a star this summer, and rest assured many of the big names will show interest in his services. Francesco Guidolin gave debuts to three players - Eugenio Corradi, Gaetano Porro, and Federico Lazzeri. However, highly rated Varese defender Andrea Todisco didn't make it off the subs bench.

Sweden suffered a setback by way of a 3-0 hammering in Romania. Niculae, Sanmartean, and Cernat grabbing the goals. Olexiy Belik and Andriy Shevchenko both found the net in Ukraine's 3-0 win over the Republic of Ireland, but England suffered a rare defeat to Portugal. Despite goals from Michael Owen and Cherno Samba, Steve McLaren tasted defeat for the first time as manager as he saw Guilherme Alves give Portugal an early lead, before Hélder Postiga and Lucas scored late on (the latter a penalty) inflicted a defeat.

Finally, Belgium fell to a 2-0 defeat at home to an impressive Denmark. Morten Skoubo and Peter Madsen scored.

Philip Rolfe

23rd April 2012

Press write off Portugal chances
With the start of Euro 2012 just forty-seven days away, Europe's footballing press have been working away at the column inches as they attempt to gauge those who will hit the top and those who will fail miserably. It seems Portugal fall into the latter category. Alain Giresse's side may have been one of the best qualifiers, but it seems that is not enough to impress. France's 'Le Foot' state "Despite Portugal's obvious talents and flair, they have a knack of falling over on the big stage. They've shown little to suggest that Norway will be any different of an experience. Also, Alain Giresse is far too inconsistent in his team and tactical selections."

It is a stance taken elsewhere. Establised English group World Soccer, celebrating their fiftieth year in publication this year, say "(Portugal), notorious under-achievers, have to be taken seriously, yet at the same time with a pinch of salt. The likes of Ricardo Quaresma, Hélder Postiga, and Edgar might be match winners, but also blow hot and cold far too often to succeed in a major tournament. If this problem isn't addressed, then put your money elsewhere."

Portugal remain rather quiet on the affair. Coach Giresse has stated that he is "satisfied" with his current preparations, and that "people might be genuinely surprised" come the summer. We'll watch this space.

25th April 2012
Another window of opportunity arises for the sixteen national coaches as they look to finalise the list of twenty-three names to go to Norway in just over thirty days time. The latest international games are covered in our Friendly round-up......

England appear to be in freefall after a second consecutive defeat. After losing at home to Portugal, Steve McLaren's side fell 2-1 in Amsterdam to Holland, who failed to qualify. The Oranje seem to be turning around under new manager, Varese's English tactician Philip Rolfe. A great second half performance saw Jaap de Jong and Dirk Kuijt cancel out Ashley Cole's goal and give McLaren food for thought.

Germany also lost to a side who will not be present in Norway. Spain came out 2-0 winners in San Sebastian through first international goals for David Aganzo and Alberto Pinto. Despite the win, manager Miguel �ngel Lotina was still the target of terrace abuse as once more he failed to select Javier Portillo, Fernando Torres, or Raúl. Rudi Völler shouldn't be too worried though, as he saw positive signs from a number of the nineteen players used on the night.

France are on the right track after a 2-1 win over Italy in Saint-Denis. A dramatic ending also supplied France with another player who might make a late impact. Didier Soler gave Paul Le Guen's side the lead with a penalty, but Italy thought they were going home with a draw when Matteo Brighi equalised in injury time. But Jérémie Aliardiere, top scorer in the French League, got off the bench to score on his first appearance for the French side in over two years. Italian boss Francesco Guidolin gave debuts to youngsters Roberto Colombini and Andrea Todisco, the latter the first player from his club to earn an Azzurri cap.

Finally, Scotland, Ukraine, Iceland, and Sweden all won their warm-ups, but Republic of Ireland, Denmark, Norway and Portugal were less auspicious, and with time running out many might reach for the panic button.

Philip Rolfe

1st June 2012
With the European Championships imminent, every conceivable publication are offering 'the guide to Euro 2012.' Here we present our own version.

BULGARIA

Just happy to be there
Eastern Europeans rebuild in style

The days of Hristo Stoitchkov, Yordan Letchkov, Trifon Ivanov, and more were the subject of many a nostalgic and teary-eyed Bulgarian football fan. A fourth place finish at the 1994 World Cup in the United States offered the belief that maybe Bulgaria were onto something big. Alas, it wasn't to be. Despite some of Bulgaria's biggest names making waves across Europe, the success never materialised in the national side. Euro 2000 saw the end of a generation, and the nations football was left in somewhat of a crisis. Internal bickering and a lack of cohesion saw the national league deteriorate into nothing more than a farce, and Bulgarian sides have long since made an impact in European competition. The national side failed to reach finals tournament after finals tournament.

But with a new decade came new hope. Krassimir Balakov was installed as coach, in hope of tying together some of the talented Bulgarian talents emerging into a unit capable of reaching the big time. His first game in charge - a 1-1 draw with Uruguay - offered hope. Then came the qualifiers for Euro 2012. Balakov got the best out of his side. Well organised with no shortage of flair, wins over France (2-0) and hosts Norway in a friendly presented the new look Bulgaria at their best. They finished second in their group, and overcame a very impressive Finland side to reach their first major tournament in twelve years.

Quite deservedly, Balakov has been hailed a hero. With a squad of players who readily admit they are not the best, he has somehow patched together a team who work for each other and play to their strengths. Just Arsenal's Stilian Petrov plays his club football outside of either Bulgaria or Germany, with the exception of Varese's Valeri Emilov Bojinov. Reserve football in Italy has seen that he will not make the trip to Norway after doing so much to get them there.

Preparation has not been the best. A 3-0 defeat to Russia followed by a goalless draw at home to Poland suggests that Bulgaria are freezing as they prepare to go onto the big stage, but Balakov is not worried: "Results matter little in friendlies. The purpose is to gauge who is good and who is not, as I try to plan our path." He insists that they will find the form which got them to Norway, and that "many a fan will be surprised." A group with Germany, England, and the Republic of Ireland is extremely tough, and if Bulgaria come through that, it will certainly be a surprise.

How they line up


<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> KamburovD.Todorov Zhelev Joao Carlos A.Tunchev Stilian Petrov Gargorov Mladenov Blagoev Berbatov M.Petrov</pre>

Balakov likes to change his formation as the game suits him. At times a patient 4-4-2 is preferred, but at others, and more regularly, Bulgaria will play a 4-1-3-2 style based on counter attacking. Short passing and pressure is expected of anyone who plays, in order to stifle the opposition.

Veteran stopper Vasil Kamburov will more than likely be the first choice goalkeeper, although he could easily play second fiddle to Todor Kyuchukov, although the former commands his area more effectively. The defence will be weaker for the exclusion of Igor Topuzov. The Frankfurt sweeper offered stability and consistency ahead of Joao Carlos, who will now almost be guaranteed a position alongside Zhivko Zhelev. The 32 year old of 68 caps is refined and useful in the air, despite his deficiencies in the pace department. Aleksandar Tunchev will be the left back, with the position on the opposite flank to be fought between Dimitar Todorov and Kuncho Kunchev, with Todorov expected the get the nod.

Stilian Petrov is pivotal to the side, and usually the first name on the team sheet. His experience will be vital, as will his ability to turn defence into attack by sitting in the defensive midfield role. If he is needed to move into central midfield, Todor Dimitrov can fill in with less class but a more physical nature. Lining up ahead are three very much attack minded performers tasked with aggressive attacking. Emil Gargorov surprises many with a sharp turn of pace and good technique, but is often overshadowed by Aleksandar Mladenov and Dian Kirilov. Mladenov's dribbling can be unstoppable, whilst Kirlilov is the best player to come out of Bulgaria for many a year. Union Berlin have seen him strike seventy goals and create fifty more in just three seasons. How he performs will have an impact on Bulgaria's chances. Krasen Trifonov offers an aerial presence but is not on the class level of those ahead of him.

Up front Dimitar Berbatov will be the focal point. At his best in the air, he will benefit from crosses from both sides. The absence of the creative and nippy Bojinov opens the way for veteran Martin Petrov to have a good end to a poor season. Both Anatoli Todorovs, not related, will offer backup, with the younger of the two (known simply as Anatoli) a possible choice ahead of Martin Petrov. Mladenov can, and has been, play up front.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">============================================= =========================== Squad============================================= ===========================No Name Position(s) Nat Born Age Caps Gls------------------------------------------------------------------------ - Atanasov, Daniel D C BGR 21.9.82 29 11 - - Atanasov, Evgeni GK BGR 25.9.80 31 1 -- Berbatov, Dimitar S C BGR 30.1.81 31 86 34 - Blagoev, Petar AM C BGR 26.8.80 31 21 - - Carlos, Joao D C BGR 1.1.82 30 20 2 - Dimitrov, Todor D/DM C BGR 2.8.83 28 29 - - Gargorov, Emil AM/F LC BGR 15.2.81 31 40 5 - Kamburov, Vasil GK BGR 4.12.75 36 20 - - Kirilov, Dian AM/F C BGR 6.2.85 27 17 2 - Koemdjiev, Dimitar D C BGR 28.9.79 32 15 - - Kunchev, Kuncho D RL BGR 27.6.83 28 14 1 - Kyuchukov, Todor GK BGR 6.9.78 33 46 - - Mladenov, Aleksandar AM/F C BGR 25.6.82 29 65 13 - Petrov, Martin F LC BGR 15.1.79 33 88 25 - Petrov, Stilian DM C BGR 5.7.79 32 55 5 - Petrov, Stoyan DM RC BGR 21.4.87 25 1 - - Shterev, Georgi GK BGR 2.5.81 31 8 - - Todorov, Anatoli S C BGR 25.3.83 29 1 - - Todorov, Anatoli S C BGR 3.6.83 29 5 1 - Todorov, Dimitar D R BGR 17.3.86 26 6 - - Trifonov, Krasen AM/F L BGR 18.3.86 26 13 - - Tunchev, Aleksandar D LC BGR 10.7.81 30 44 2 - Zhelev, Zhivko SW/D C BGR 23.6.79 32 68 1 </pre>

Philip Rolfe

CROATIA

They're back
Former World Champs back on track

Having only been a nation for twenty years, Croatia have had quite the footballing existance. An initial show of brilliance in their first tournaments at Euro 1996 and France 1998 were followed by a competent showing in the 2002 World Cup. Then, six years ago in Germany, Ivo Susak led his nation to glory, lifting the World Cup. But qualification this time was a struggle. Only a last minute goal by Goran Sablic secured their place after poor showings in a group they should have qualified from left them in a playoff situation. Their build up has been far from useful - a demoralising defeat to Holland was followed by a half decent draw with Portugal, but it has been nothing near what they would have liked.

Their manager is 51 year old former Montenegrin coach Zoran Maric. Entrusted with the country's footballing hopes after an average World Cup 2010 which saw the demise of Susak, it is an understatement to say his appointment wasn't met with the greatest of receptions. Almost an unknown, he has little to speak of by way of a record, and although determined can lack in the tactical department. He also has shown little desire to introduce youth and life into his squad. Whilst the side of the 1990's revelled with the likes of Prosinecki, Suker, Boksic and Stimac, the side now lacks the quality of the past.

Furthermore, Maric has been criticised for creating what has been labelled as a "boring Croatian side bereft of creativity." In ten qualifiers just eleven goals were scored, with seven conceded. The defensive record can be praised, but the attack looks wafer thin, tired, and lacking. The five forwards named in the squad for this summer, however dangerous they can be, will be unlikely to induce fear in their opponents. The defence can't carry them as far as they hope to go.

The draw hasn't been the kindest either. France, Turkey, and Ukraine all have superior strength in depth and the firepower to succeed. Yet Maric believes they can do well: "Honestly, who expected Croatia to win the World Cup just fourteen years after becoming an individual state? Nobody. We might be underdogs, but we revel in that role, and with the right balance, things will happen." There is truth in what he says. Croatia have always been there or thereabouts, and there is something about them which you cannot rule out. They know what it takes to get the job done. And that, at this level, is priceless.

How they line up
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> PletikosaD.Simic Tudor Leko MijatovicSabolcki Vranjes Biscan Seric Klasnic Balaban </pre>

Maric is a staunch supporter of the 4-4-2 formation. Everyone bar the front two have defensive duties, and are instructed to hit on the break. Off the ball, the two central midfielders drop back and shield the defence.

Stipe Pletikosa will do more than anyone to help the Croatian cause. Whilst Verjan Runje offers a competent role, Pletikosa has wonderful shot stopping abilities and reflexes which are of enormous benefit to his side. Club teammate Dario Simic, the most capped footballer from his country, still holds power over the right back slot, even at the age of thirty-six. Andre Mijatovic has been installed as left back for some time, and does well. If needed, Igor Ostopanj and Mato Neretljak are useful deputies. Igor Tudor and Jerko Leko will prove to be extremely tough to break down, which is clearly reflected in their defensive record.

Captain of the side is Jurica Vranjes. Performing defensive roles are his priority, but watch out for towering headers from set pieces. Alongside him is veteran Igor Biscan, and together the two will make or break Croatia's tournament. If they're on form, they make the side tick. If one is injured, Tudor or Leko may have to move into midfield. Silvester Sabolcki (right) and Anthony Seric (left) are well balanced if not spectacular. Pressing for a place may be Brazilian born winger Eduard da Silva, called into the squad for the first time. A little more mobile, the Dinamo man is an unknown and could be the joker in the pack.

On paper, the attack looks good. Unfortunately for Croatia they are relatively average on the field. Ivan Klasnic is expected to be the man to lead the line, but the Hertha forward has a poor international return. The other place is up for grabs. Logic suggests Bosko Balaban is the man. He has a better scoring record than the other contenders, but can fade in and out. Tomislav Sokota is nearing the end of his career and hasn't featured at all this season for Bayern Munich, and although Dario Zahora is brave he isn't the man needed. Mate Bilic could drop off the front and link to midfield, but Maric has missed a trick in not selecting Dalibor Bogdan. The Varteks man has the qualities which Croatia currently miss and could depend on.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">============================================= =========================== Squad============================================= ===========================No Name Position(s) Nat Born Age Caps Gls------------------------------------------------------------------------ - Babic, Marko AM LC HRV 28.1.81 31 18 - - Balaban, Bosko S C HRV 15.10.78 33 24 11 - Bilic, Dalibor GK HRV 28.10.79 32 - - - Bilic, Mate S C HRV 23.10.80 31 3 - - Biscan, Igor D/DM RC HRV 4.5.78 34 79 10 - Klasnic, Ivan S C HRV 29.1.80 32 54 10- Leko, Jerko D/DM RC HRV 9.4.80 32 17 - - Mijatovic, Andre SW/D RLC HRV 3.12.79 32 22 - - Neretljak, Mato D LC HRV 3.6.79 33 7 - - Ostopanj, Igor D LC HRV 9.11.80 31 2 - - Pletikosa, Stipe GK HRV 8.1.79 33 67 - - Raic, Davor GK HRV 25.9.90 21 - - - Runje, Vedran GK HRV 10.2.76 36 44 - - Sabolcki, Silvester AM R HRV 12.11.79 32 60 2 - Safaric, Nikola AM C HRV 11.3.81 31 - - - Seric, Anthony DM L HRV 15.1.79 33 69 2 - Simic, Dario D RC HRV 12.11.75 36 125 2 - Sokota, Tomislav F C HRV 8.4.77 35 46 16 - Tudor, Igor D/DM RC HRV 16.4.78 34 87 - - Vranjes, Jurica DM C HRV 30.1.80 32 90 5 - Vukovic, Mladen D/DM L HRV 8.6.84 27 3 - - Zahora, Dario F LC HRV 21.3.82 30 8 - - da Silva, Eduardo AM RC BRA 17.7.84 27 - - </pre>

Philip Rolfe

DENMARK

Teamwork is the key
Tactical perfection could take the Danes far

Eight years since they were last at a finals tournament, Denmark are back where many say they rightly belong. After the dismissal of Morten Olsen, Jan Mølby was proven to be the wrong choice. Veteran German tactician Torsten Dürr was installed, and after taking his time, he seems to have a team capable of at least reaching the last eight. In previous years the focus had been on teamwork rather than individuals. Whilst Dürr still preaches the benefits of working as a unit, he clearly plays to the strengths of his best players. Moreover, his side is somewhat shaped by the opposition, which has been criticised but works for him.

In a group where they have real potential of qualifying, the prospects are widening. If they can pick up five points from hosts Norway, Iceland, and Portugal, then they should make the knockout phases, with anything then possible. On their day Denmark are a match at the bare minimum for anyone, but they can also collapse and be humiliated. A good warm-up included a win in Belgium, which will have boosted confidence no end. Dürr has a party of players who know each other inside out, and have a unity which they can draw upon in times of need.

Dürr himself will not be drawn into discussion on how his side will do. Alternatively, like former coach Morten Olsen, the preferred topic of discussion has been how they can improve the image of Danish football: "It's important to show Europe that Denmark are not dead. We may have been away, but now is the time to show off our image, by playing good football." Back home, expectation is realistic. Henrik Jensen, a leading Danish sportswriter, explains: "People are generally pleased that Denmark are back in major competitions. Winning in in 1992 means a lot historically, but it isn't used as a marker. Most people would be satisfied if we made it out of the group, and the team take something positive home with them."

"There are some very useful players, who are well organised and shaped by Dürr. If he gets his tactics right, which he invariably does, then anything may happen. Preparation is the key, and rest assured Dürr will have done his work."

The coach trusts his side, which is perhaps the most important thing. He knows who will come through for him, and who to call upon in times of need. He also knows he has players able to produce the spectacular and unpredictable, and if the balance is right, things look good for Denmark.

How they line up

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> T.SørensenBøgelund M.Laursen Østergaard Frederiksen Kure Vidkjær Silberbauer Jørgensen Poulsen Skoubo Løvenkrands</pre>

Torsten Dürr loves his tactics. Everything has to be spot on for this perfectionist. The key to his defensive looking side is the movement provided by wingbacks Kasper Bøgelund and Kasper Kure Vidkjær. Should the two attack and defend effectively, a new dimension is added to the side. Width. Denmark have always relied on with, but Dürr combines it with a useful defensive element which has been their downfall in the past.

Thomas Sørensen is long establised as the number one keeper. Whilst not in the vein of the legendary Peter Schmeichel, he does a sound job nonetheless. But at 35 he can't go on forever. Fortunately, Denmark have good backups, with namesake David Sørensen most likely to be the first choice backup. The three men in the centre of defence have played together on many occasions and know each other well. Continuity between veteran Martin Laursen, talented Jan Frederiksen, and under-rated Thomas Østergaard is important - if one goes missing the other two cover. Dürr will be praying that injuries do not strike. Jacob Høj and the somewhat unknown Leon Andreasen can provide able deputisation, but lack the cohesion the three first choice stoppers have.

The midfield combines defensive tenacity with attacking flair. Captaining the side is Christian Poulsen, who performs the typical Danish role of holding and breaking play up by any means possible. Once this is achieved, Mads Jørgensen and Thomas Silberbauer can show their speed, trickery, and eye for goal. Mads Beierholm will feel harshly done if he fails to get a look-in, and Dennis Rommedahl can still do a job - perhaps best utilised as a substitute.

Morten Skoubo is the undisputed top Danish forward. The Utrecht man is a goal machine, and has a useful international record to date. With the injury to Peter Madsen ruling him out, the onus on Skoubo will be greater. If Peter Løvenkrands is to start alongside him, they'll complement each other well, although the latter's lack of international experience may count against him. Should that be the case, Morten Rasmussen must get his chance. A proven goalscorer, a partnership with Skoubo could be potentially explosive.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">============================================= =========================== Squad============================================= ===========================No Name Position(s) Nat Born Age Caps Gls------------------------------------------------------------------------ - Andreasen, Leon D C DEN 23.4.83 29 - - - Beierholm, Mads AM RC DEN 15.11.84 27 17 - - Bøgelund, Kasper D/DM R DEN 8.10.80 31 58 3 - Christiansen, Jesper GK DEN 24.8.78 33 - - - Frederiksen, Jan D LC DEN 20.6.82 29 23 - - Høj, Jacob D/DM C DEN 24.12.81 30 4 - - Jørgensen, Mads AM/F RLC DEN 10.2.79 33 52 8 - Kahlenberg, Thomas AM C DEN 20.3.83 29 - - - Kure Vidkjær, Kasper D/M L DEN 20.7.82 29 9 1 - Laursen, Martin D C DEN 26.7.77 34 73 2 - Løvenkrands, Peter F LC DEN 29.1.80 32 1 - - Madsen, Kim D RC DEN 13.2.78 34 51 1 - Østergaard, Thomas SW/D C DEN 24.7.78 33 40 2 - Pedersen, Rune GK DEN 9.10.79 32 1 - - Petersen, Karsten S C DEN 5.3.85 27 1 -- Poulsen, Christian DM RC DEN 28.2.80 32 74 12 - Rasmussen, Morten S C DEN 31.1.85 27 6 1 - Rommedahl, Dennis AM/F R DEN 22.7.78 33 57 11 - Schmidt, Jonas D. S C DEN 16.6.82 29 - - - Silberbauer, Michael AM/F RLC DEN 7.7.81 30 9 - - Skoubo, Morten S C DEN 30.6.80 31 42 18 - Sørensen, David GK DEN 8.9.86 25 1 - - Sørensen, Thomas GK DEN 12.6.76 35 72 - </pre>