Denmark
Pedigree There will be a temptation to describe Denmark as a dark horse, but it does not quite fit. Kasper Hjulmand’s team reached the semifinals of the European Championship in 2021, qualified imperiously, and has beaten France twice in the last five months. There is absolutely nothing dark about the Danes.
The Story Christian Eriksen’s inclusion in the squad may be the most touching story of the whole World Cup. It has been only 18 months since Eriksen collapsed on the field during the European Championship. For months, it seemed unlikely — and largely unimportant — that he would play again. His return makes Denmark a sentimental favorite.
Ambition Denmark’s size, and its comparative lack of stars, means it will never be regarded as a true contender for the title, but it would be no surprise to see Hjulmand’s side make the quarterfinals, at the very least. That would match the country’s best World Cup performance.
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