With their opening match against China PR on Wednesday approaching fast, Denmark's players were put through their paces with a two-hour training session on Monday. Besides focusing on wing play and short passing interchanges, the squad also participated in a seven-a-side practice match. During a gap in proceedings, Denmark coach Kenneth Heiner-Moller took time out to speak with FIFA.com.
The 36-year old enjoyed a distinguished ten-year playing career before making a name for himself on the other side of the touchline. He took over the reins of the women's national team in July 2006 and is one of the youngest coaches at this year's tournament. Here he shares his thoughts on the challenge ahead.
On the China PR team
I know all about Marika (Domanski-Lyfors, China head
coach) and her coaching style, she's very good at her job.
China have spent more than 100 days on their build-up preparations,
whereas we've spent only 20 days in training. Four months can
definitely make a lot of difference to a team. The China team's
organisation and technique is excellent, they're also very pacy
and like to put opposition teams under pressure. We've watched
many of China's matches, including the games against Australia
and Canada, so we know them inside out. I can tell you about 15
members of the China squad. Players like Han Duan and Ma Xiaoxu
have plenty of quality but Bi Yan is the pick of the squad.
On who will reach the final
USA and maybe Brazil. Sweden and China are also in with
a chance.
On Denmark's opener
China are playing at home, so there is definitely going
to be a lot of pressure on them. We've spent a long time
preparing for the World Cup, especially once we made certain of
qualification. We're all raring to go now. Even though the
environment, food and climate in China are quite different to
Denmark, we've already got acclimatised in the last two days
and we'll definitely be at the top of our game when we face
China.
On the strongest teams in Group D
Brazil are the strongest team, followed by China then
Denmark.
On qualifying from the first phase
I hope that Denmark and China both reach the second
round. The further the host team progresses, the better it will be
for the tournament.
On injury concerns
All 21 members of the squad are in excellent shape both
physically and mentally.
On pressure
As the hosts, there is more pressure on China than on
us. We're just looking forward to the game. We want the players
to rise to the occasion, to go out and enjoy every minute, because
it's going to be a great match. We've waited a long time
for this World Cup, it's the culmination of eight years of hard
work, so now is our time to enjoy the moment.
On his team's target for the tournament
I hope that we can make it to the second round.
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