Coach Kasper Hjulmand hopes his Denmark squad can take the leap to the next step and cement themselves as contenders at major tournaments.
Hjulmand saw the Danes bow out of Euro 2024 in the last 16, going down 2-0 to Germany in a match which saw VAR controversy which cost Denmark at both ends of the pitch in the second half.
⛔️ What a save by Neuer! #EURO2024 | #GERDEN pic.twitter.com/mBRhVHzhmA
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 29, 2024
They had reached the semi-finals at Euro 2020, losing the semi-final to England at Wembley after extra-time, but Hjulmand wants to use the latest disappointment as fuel to emulate another smaller nation which has punched above its weight – World Cup 2018 runners-up Croatia.
“In recent years, we have shown we are close to the big teams, but there’s just one thing that’s lacking – we need to create and take more chances,” Hjulmund told uefa.com.
“Our ambition is to rub shoulders with the big teams – we’re collaborating with teams to create better players, and sometimes we get to semi-finals, sometimes we don’t.
“Croatia have had a great few years, and that’s where we want to be.”
The coach insisted the future was bright for Denmark despite the likes of Kasper Schmeichel and Christian Eriksen approaching the twilight of their careers.
“We’ll reflect on this and see how we can improve the team,” he said. “We have to work out how to keep the fans behind us – they are incredible. Once again, I have to thank them for their support here in Germany, and also at home.
“I have an amazing team with amazing players, who support each other. I am proud of my team. This side has a bright future.
“We came here knowing we can’t lose too much possession. We got Christian more involved, but we still lost something in attack compared to our March friendlies. But we gained at the back.”
