Denmark hopes to avoid Brazil, Spain in World Cup draw

COPENHAGEN - Spain and Brazil are two teams that Danish coach Morten Olsen hopes to avoid in the upcoming draw for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, reports said Wednesday.

“I would rather not be in the same group as Spain,” Olsen told Danish news agency Ritzau ahead of Friday’s draw.

“Spain are terrific when you look at the individual players they have and the common sense each player has,” he added, saying the Spanish side was almost unbeatable when the team gels.

Denmark has had a poor track record against Spain in the later stages of major championships, with losses in Euro 1984, the 1986 World Cup and Euro 1988. Olsen was on the pitch in all three games.

As national coach, a post he has had since 2000, Olsen has seen Denmark lose four times to Spain.

Powerhouse Brazil is also not a favourite opponent.

“Brazil could field four or five teams that could be among the top seeds,” Olsen said.

Denmark secured an automatic qualifying berth from its group that included Portugal and Sweden.