At least four players could make their debut for Denmark in the
friendly against Austria on Wednesday after injuries ruled out five
regulars.
Jon Dahl Tomasson, Jesper Gronkjaer, Daniel Agger, Martin
Jorgensen and Jakob Poulsen were ruled out with injuries, leaving
Denmark especially short in midfield.
Coach Morten Olsen added Martin Ornskov Nielsen, Peter
Nymann, Christian Eriksen and Jim Larsen, neither of whom has
played for the national team.
"We can now test some young players ... It's their chance to
make it to the team," Olsen said on Tuesday. "Austria will be a
serious test for us."
The match will be Denmark's third friendly ahead of the World
Cup in South Africa, where it takes on the Netherlands, Cameroon
and Japan in Group E.
Denmark beat the United States 3-1 and had a goalless draw
with South Korea in November.
"We are in the middle of our preparations," Olsen said. "It's
a very important stage. Austria is a key test to see where we stand
right now."
Olsen said he was impressed by his team's performance in
qualifying for the World Cup finals.
"Our team did a terrific job in advancing from a group that
also included Portugal. Now we must take the next step," Olsen
said.
The coach said Denmark could become a force to be reckoned
with in South Africa.
"If all our best players are back in the team and healthy,
everything can happen," Olsen said. "It will depend on the form of
the day."
Denmark hasn't played Austria in 19 years after winning their
last meeting 3-0 in Vienna in 1991.
