Danes Play for Pride, Hungarians for Experience

Denmark vs. Hungary
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Copenhagen, Denmark 8:45 pm local time

In Saturday’s penultimate qualifying play, Denmark delivered an old-fashioned schoolyard beating on Sweden, effectively knocking the Swedes out of contention for a trip to South Africa. More importantly, the Danes’ decisive victory punched their passports for next summer’s South African Championships, boosting their hopes for carrying home the Cup

Meanwhile, a tough Hungarian squad fell to Portugal 3-0 as the determined Portuguese squad moved into second place behind Denmark. To their credit, the Hungarians mounted a strong attack, barely missing two scoring opportunities late in the first half. Had one shot sailed just one inch lower, the Hungarian squad would have knotted the score going into the intermission. Although the Hungarians came-up short, their spirited play against the dominant Danes gives more indication they are on-track to restore the team’s former glory.

Gameplan
Obviously, team Denmark plays Wednesday primarily for the exercise. With their bags already packed for a trip to the bottom of the world, the Danes want to guard against injury. Danish coach Morten Olsen undoubtedly will seize the opportunity to rest his veterans, giving his younger players precious minutes and valuable international experience. For resurgent Hungary, play against the Danish team will give Dutch transplant Erwin Koeman a chance to measure the progress of his ambitious rebuilding program.

Koeman joined the Hungarian team on August 1, 2008, promising to return Hungary to the football dominance it enjoyed in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Although Koeman has said he feels no pressure, the soccerati agree he is eager to succeed. Wednesday night’s contest will show Hungarian coach and players where they stand.

SideLines
As European qualifying play began, Koeman told FIFA.com, “The quality is there and the players just need confidence. My aim is to engender this self-confidence… I’m working on the team’s strengths and not their weaknesses.” Wednesday night, the world will see just how much strength and self-confidence the young Hungarians have developed under Koeman’s tutelage.

Bet on this match
As stated earlier in this match preview the game is of very little importance to both countries which means you might want to place a wager to get some extra excitement. At Bet365 they are offering the best odds on the 2010 World Cup and this is our bookmaker of choice when it comes to World Cup betting and European leagues.

Bet365 odds for this match: Denmark – 1.53, Draw – 4.00, Hungary – 6.25