Denmark get friendly

Olsen pleased
Morten Olsen's side will play their first match of the year on 12 February against Egypt in Cairo ahead of UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifiers against Romania on 29 March and Bosnia-Herzegovina on 2 April. "Like this year when we played in Saudi Arabia, we have been aiming to set up an away match in an area where good weather conditions are guaranteed," said Olsen, whose side are currently third in qualifying Group Two.

Crucial warm-up
The Danes will face Ukraine at home on 30 April and also play host to Finland on 20 August – matches which will serve as preparation for the latter fixtures in their quest to qualify for EURO 2004™. "We have focused on facing two opponents on home turf before the crucial qualifiers," said Olsen. "Ukraine were so close to securing a [FIFA] World Cup ticket and everybody knows how much progress Finland have made in the last decade."

First meeting
It will be the first match between Denmark and Ukraine, while the Danes have met Finland on 56 previous occasions.