Monday, June 14, 2010

Agger: My Chance To Shine

Daniel Agger cannot wait to show the world what he can do at his first major international tournament.

Despite breaking into the Danish side in 2005, Agger has yet to feature in a big competition due to his country's failure to qualify for the 2006 World Cup and the Euros two years later.

"Yes, there is a lot of excitement," he admitted, ahead of Monday's opener against Holland.

"I think Denmark was a bit spoiled a few years ago and played in almost every tournament, even though we are a small country. So yes, the excitement is there."

Denmark have been pitted against Holland, Japan and Cameroon in Group E.

One concern for Agger is the Danish public expecting too much from him and his teammates.

"People in Denmark don't often seem to believe in the team," said the 25-year-old.

"Then if we qualify for the World Cup or European Championships the expectations go up an awful lot. They probably don't expect us to win it, but they want us to go far. I'm sure that will be the same this summer."

Denmark are led by veteran coach Morten Olsen - the man who gave Agger his international breakthrough five years ago.

"He gave me the chance with the national team quite early, so I am grateful for that," said Liverpool's No.5.

"He is a really, really good coach. I can't say anything bad about him. He knows everything about the game and is a proper football man."

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