World Cup 2018: 4 surprises that can happen in the tournament

#3 Denmark to leave their mark

The eagle-eyed Christian Eriksen could help Denmark spring surprises

The last time the Danes went past the group stages was back in 2002 and in 1998 but their only international achievement came in 1992 when they won the Euros with a golden generation of footballers. While the current generation is no way close, Age Hareide’s men aren’t that bad either. They’re 12th in the World Rankings, after all!

It would be worth pointing out that Denmark have every chance to going past the group stages this time around with France, Australia and Peru in their group. And it won’t be a crime in saying that they are the second best side in the group.

Spearheaded by the talismanic Tottenham superstar Christian Eriksen, who is one of the Premier League’s best players, Denmark boast of quality players in the side. And Eriksen isn’t the only one.

With the reliable Kasper Schmeichel in goal, Denmark have three reliable central defenders in Borussia Monchengladbach’s Jannik Vestergaard, Sevilla’s Simon Kjaer and Chelsea’s Andreas Christensen, who have all had decent or more than decent seasons for their clubs. Don’t rule out Huddersfield central defender Mathias Jorgensen, who had a very solid campaign with the Terriers.

If there’s anyone who will be just as important as Eriksen in midfield, then its Borussia Dortmund’s new signing Thomas Delaney, who arrived for a 20 million euros fee from Werder Bremen.

It is their forward line though, that boasts of variety and options. Yussuf Poulsen and Kasper Dolberg might have had below-par seasons with RB Leipzig and Ajax, but Pione Sisto and Nicolai Jorgensen have been very impressive in front of goal for Celta Vigo and Feyenoord.

Judging by the variety, quality and depth this side has, count them out at your own risk and don’t be surprised if they end up upsetting France too.