EURO 2012: 6 Very Bold Predictions for Denmark's Tournament

While Euro 2012 kicked off yesterday in Group A, it's time to take out the crystal ball and make some predictions about what we will see in Poland and Ukraine.

For a second major international tournament in a row, Denmark have qualified past Portugal.

However, their reward this time is a place in the "Group of Death."

Things don't look to good for the Danes; however, if there is one thing we learned from their shocking triumph at EURO 1992, it is that one cannot write them off.

Here are my forecasts for Denmark's tournament.

Christian Eriksen Plays Well, but Does Not Shine...

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This will be a tough tournament for the 20-year-old Eriksen.

He has all the creativity and playmaking ability one can ask for, but he's stuck with a less-than-stellar squad in the toughest group in the competition.

I don't expect Eriksen to play below his standards, I just don't expect him to have the opportunity to stand out as the talented midfielder that he is.

...And Nicklas Bendtner Plays Awful

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At 24 years of age, it is about time that Nicklas Bendtner, with his talent, became the leader of his national team and scored the important goals for them.

However, I don't think Bendtner is mature enough to do this.

Instead, I expect him to wilt on the big stage, just as he did in scoring one goal at the 2010 World Cup.

He may do one worse this time around.

They Lose to Netherlands 2-0...

It's a repeat of the 2010 World Cup group stage, where Netherlands defeated Denmark by the same scoreline in the first match of each teams' tournament.

This time, it's a brace by Robin van Persie that gets the job done for the Dutch.

It's the worst of starts for the Danes.

...Lose to Portugal 2-1...

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Denmark have had Portugal's number over the past few years, beating them out for the automatic qualifying bid for both the 2010 World Cup and EURO 2012.

However, I expect Portugal has figured out a remedy for their woes against Denmark and will come out flying against their tormentors.

Denmark will make it a match, but Portugal will walk away with the points in the end.

...Lose to Germany 3-0...

Already eliminated from the competition, Denmark come out completely flat against the Germans.

By halftime, it's a 3-0 lead for the Germans, who are even playing a healthy group of substitutes.

From there, both teams are happy to let the match peter out.

...And Are Eliminated from the Group with No Points

It will be a greatly disappointing tournament for Denmark, who will be knocked out with no wins, no draws and no points to show for themselves.

One goal will be the only thing the Danes can take from their month in Poland and Ukraine, but that will yield little consolation.

Hopefully, it will be a growing experience for what is still a fairly young and talented squad.

 

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