As a long-time observer of international football and someone who has spent years analyzing team dynamics, both on and off the pitch, I find myself constantly drawn to teams that embody a collective spirit greater than the sum of their parts. The Denmark national football team is a quintessential example of this phenomenon. So, when pondering the question of how far they can go in the next major tournament, be it the 2024 European Championship or the 2026 World Cup, I don't just look at their star player, Christian Eriksen, though his miraculous return and enduring class are a narrative unto themselves. I look at their structure, their resilience, and a certain intangible quality that reminds me of successful units in other sports. It might seem like a leap, but I was recently struck by a piece of basketball news from the Philippine Basketball Association that, to me, perfectly illustrates the kind of engine that drives teams like Denmark. The report stated that Zavier Lucero led the way for the Hotshots with 23 points and 17 rebounds, a dominant individual performance. But the crucial detail followed: it was Ian Sangalang and Mark Barroca who sparked that decisive pullaway in the fourth quarter, enabling the Hotshots to become the first team to build a winning streak that conference. That's the blueprint. One star provides the consistent, high-level foundation, but the critical surge, the winning push, comes from the collective effort of others stepping up at the precise moment. This is Denmark's model, and it's why I'm bullish on their potential to make another deep run.
Denmark's recent tournament history is a masterclass in this philosophy. At Euro 2020, played in 2021, they reached the semi-finals under the most emotionally taxing circumstances imaginable. They weren't carried by a single galactico; they were propelled by a unified force. Kasper Schmeichel made monumental saves, Simon Kjær provided leadership that transcended sport, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg covered every blade of grass, and Mikkel Damsgaard announced himself on the world stage. Eriksen was the spiritual leader, but the goals and the grit came from everywhere. Their run wasn't a fluke. At the 2022 World Cup, despite a surprising group stage stumble, they showcased a tactical discipline and physical robustness that few teams could match, even in a disappointing exit. The foundation built by coach Kasper Hjulmand is rock-solid. They are impeccably organized, supremely fit, and possess a midfield blend of industry (Højbjerg, Thomas Delaney) and creativity (Eriksen, possibly a rising talent like Christian Nørgaard or a fit-again Mathias Jensen) that can control games against elite opposition. Their defensive unit, anchored by the likes of Joachim Andersen and Andreas Christensen, is experienced and plays within a system they know inside out. The data, though I'm recalling from memory, is compelling. I believe they've kept clean sheets in something like 40% of their competitive matches under Hjulmand, a statistic that wins tournaments.
However, and this is a significant "however," the difference between being a plucky quarter-finalist and a genuine champion often boils down to that "spark" in the final third—the equivalent of Sangalang and Barroca's fourth-quarter explosion. Denmark's primary challenge has been a reliable, prolific goal scorer in open play. They create chances through intelligent build-up and set-pieces, which are a formidable weapon, but in the razor-close knockout games against the very best, you sometimes need a moment of individual attacking brilliance to break the deadlock. Jonas Wind and Rasmus Højlund represent the future, with Højlund's explosive start at Manchester United offering immense promise. But at a major tournament, the pressure is different. Can one of them, or perhaps Andreas Skov Olsen on the wing, become that consistent "spark"? If they can find that additional, unpredictable attacking dimension to complement their systemic strength, they become a nightmare for any opponent. Personally, I rate their chances higher at the Euros than the World Cup. The European Championship's format and familiar opposition seem to suit their cohesive, battle-hardened approach better. They won't be favorites—teams like France, England, and Portugal have more sheer individual talent on paper—but in a one-off game, I'd never bet against Denmark's spirit and organization.
My own experience covering tournaments has taught me to never underestimate a team with a clear identity and a chip on its shoulder. Denmark plays with a palpable sense of purpose, a legacy of the Eriksen incident that has morphed into a permanent source of strength. They believe in their system and in each other. This intangible factor is worth 10-15% in tight matches, in my view. So, how far can they go? The floor for this Denmark side is, I believe, the quarter-finals. Anything less would be a disappointment given their current pedigree. The ceiling? Well, if their "Zavier Lucero"—the foundational star like Eriksen or Schmeichel—performs at his peak, and two or three other players have their "Sangalang and Barroca" moment, catching fire at the right time in the knockout stages, they can absolutely win the whole thing. It wouldn't be a shock to see them in the final. They have the goalkeeper, the defense, the midfield engine, the leadership, and the experience. The final piece is a clinical, in-form striker. If that falls into place during the tournament, Denmark isn't just a dark horse; they are legitimate contenders. I, for one, will be watching closely, expecting another display of the kind of collective heart that makes international football so compelling.