Turkish test awaits Danes

By Peter Bruun & Türker Tozar

Denmark have good reason for optimism as they prepare for their next step en route to the UEFA EURO 2004™ finals.

Testing time
However, a match against Turkey in Adana on Wednesday night promises another stiff examination of Morten Olsen's side. Following a keenly fought 3-2 away victory against fellow finalists England in November, the coach also took an inexperienced squad on a challenging three-game tour of the United States.

Prestigious opponents
Olsen is well aware that his team face a rigorous test this summer, so matches like this one against the 2002 FIFA World Cup semi-finalists - who only just missed out on qualification - will allow him to better judge his players' readiness.

Forward strength
Despite injuries to Kasper Bøgelund, Christian Poulsen, Dennis Rommedahl and Peter Løvenkrands, Olsen has more options than at any time in his three-and-a-half year reign. The newest names in the squad are attack-minded players Kenneth Perez and Daniel Jensen, who proved their potential against England, and Jensen should figure from the start against Turkey.

Sand dropped
In-form forward Peter Madsen, who scored VfL Bochum 1848's goal on Saturday in their first home Bundesliga win against FC Bayern München since 1985, will begin on the bench alongside established striker Ebbe Sand, as Olsen has named a front line of Jesper Grønkjær, Jon Dahl Tomasson and Martin Jørgensen.

Usual system
Olsen favours an attacking formation and will stick to his usual 4-3-3 system. "As long as we win considerably more matches than we lose, I think the system proves its qualities," said Olsen.

Opportunity knocks
There is also strength in depth in midfield where Panathinaikos FC's Jan Michaelsen may get a chance. Olsen added: "Jan is a player we are constantly watching, and he fits perfectly into our formation." Olsen fields his usual back four of Thomas Helveg, René Henriksen, Martin Laursen and Niclas Jensen, but will introduce newcomer Per Krøldrup at some point. Olsen said: "We have not brought him here just to train a couple of times."

All change
Whoever plays will need to be at their best against a Turkey team looking firmly to the future. Coach Senol Günes has rung the changes and extended his selection policy beyond those playing for the top clubs in Istanbul and abroad.

Fresh start
For example, prolific Konyaspor forward Zafer Biryol is included but there is no place for Ümit Davala, Yildiray Bastürk, Ilhan Mansiz and Hakan Sükür while Emre Belözoglu is injured. Günes said: "There is no change in our vision or belief. We are going through a painful period and everybody should show patience."