
PARIS, June 11: Denmark8217;s World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia in Lens on Friday in Group C will be the start of an attempt by the 1992 European champions to relive those glory days. Coach Bo Johansson8217;s new sweep of the brush after succeeding Richard Moller Nielsen following Euro 8217;96 has brought welcome success to the squad.
The former national set-up had become a little world weary and Johansson8217;s taking up of the post injected renewed spirit into the side. Denmark, based near Toulon in the South of France, only lost one match in the qualifiers, surprisingly to Bosnia Herzegovina, and managed to head their group from Croatia by two points.
That effort meant the 1992 European Champions had qualified for only their second Cup finals.
Denmark8217;s haul of just 14 goals was the lowest of all the automatic qualifiers from Europe and Johansson is aware once that problem is solved, they have the ability to beat the very best. Saudi Arabia coach Carlos Alberto Parreira is expected to stick with the side thatdrew 0-0 with England last month for this opening match.
Probable teams
DENMARK: 1-Peter Schmeichel; 2-Michael Schjonberg or 5-Jan Heintze, 3-Marc Rieper, 4-Jes Hogh, 12-Soren Colding, 6-Thomas Helveg 14-Morten Wieghorst, 21-Martin Joergensen, 7-Allan Nielsen, 10-Michael Laudrup, 19-Ebbe Sand, 11-Brian Laudrup.
SAUDI ARABIA: 1-Mohammed al-Deayea; 2-Mohammed al-Jahani, 3-Mohammed al-Khilaiwi, 4-Abdullah Zubramawi, 7-Ibrahim al-Sharani, 6-Fuad Amin, 13-Hussein Sulimani, 10-Saeed al-Owairan, 14-Khalid al-Muwallid, 11-Fahad al-Mehallel, 9-Sam al-Jaber.