Germany and Netherlands will be too strong for Denmark, says Lovenkrands

Jun 6, 2012 1:05:00 PM

Despite Christian Eriksen and Nicklas Bendtner's attacking flair and Daniel Agger's defensive qualities, the free agent does not expect a repeat of the 1992 European triumph

EXCLUSIVE
By Rob Stewart

Danish striker Peter Lovenkrands fears that his compatriots will not have what it takes to beat Germany and Netherlands to book place in the knockout phase of Euro 2012.

Lovenkrands says that he is hoping to be proved wrong, but believes that Morten Olsen’s outsiders will be unable to overcome the two traditional European powers in a daunting Group B that also includes Portugal.

"It is a big group," Lovenkrands told Goal.com. "It is going to be so hard with Portugal and Germany and Netherlands and they are top teams, but we beat Portugal in the group phase to get a place at the tournament.

"I can’t see us getting past Germany and Netherlands because I just think they are too strong for us, although I hope I am proved wrong and there are a couple of upsets. It will be very interesting."

"And remember what happened in 1992 – they had a wild card because they didn't qualify [after Yugoslavia were withdrawn] and we ended up winning the whole thing. Anything can happen at the Euros. A few upsets can always go a long way but nowadays the German and Dutch sides just look too strong, but I will be hoping that my friends can do well."

Denmark failed to qualify for Euro 2008 but booked their place at this year's tournament by finishing above Portugal in qualifying, and the 32-year-old former Newcastle and Rangers striker believes his nation can enliven the tournament with slick attacking play.

"People don't realise that we have a great team," said Lovenkrands, who has played 22 times for his country.

"We are well organised and we have a good way of playing. Nicklas Bendtner is a special player and he does not need much confidence. He is a good boy and there is some good talent around him such as Christian Eriksen at Ajax.

"If he plays the way he has all season then our front line is going to be dangerous. Dennis Rommedahl is always dangerous with his speed so we have got some good firepower going forward and defensively we have some great players – Daniel Agger from Liverpool is absolutely outstanding and we have fantastic goalkeepers."

Lovenkrands will be watching the tournament from afar before turning his attention to finding a new club after being released by Newcastle, where he scored 19 goals in 63 appearances.

"I don't know what the future holds for me personally," he added. "That is something I need to look at over the summer."