Denmark's midfield magician

By Peter Bruun

Do not be surprised if you see Peter Schmeichel and Michael Laudrup shifting awkwardly in their seats at Danish football's top table. The reason? Because there is a new hero firmly establishing herself in Danish folklore. Step up Cathrine Paaske Sørensen, a Danish international who is set to further enhance her reputation when she represents her country at UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2005™.

'Incredible talent'
"She is one of those players who sets your pulse racing," said Peter Bonde, coach of the Danish national team. "She's an incredible talent who will be vital for us if we are to succeed in England this summer."

High praise
High praise indeed - but it is not surprising Bonde has so much faith in the 26-year-old midfield player. Not only was she instrumental in Denmark's qualification to the tournament, she also has a knack of scoring vital goals at vital times - a habit she hopes to continue when the Danes start their Group A campaign against Sweden today ahead of games against England and Finland.

Golden touch
But there is another part to Sørensen's game which gives her an edge over almost all her opponents. "Her first touch is sensational," Bonde told uefa.com. "It enables her to do practically anything with the ball, and it makes her good in small and tight areas which is vital in the pressure games."

Birthday present
In what promises to be a memorable month, she will celebrate her 27th birthday during the championship in England on the day of the semi-finals, which is the stage the Danes reached at the 2001 edition in Germany.

Career highlight
"I regard the last tournament in Germany as the highlight of my career so far," she told uefa.com. "I guess that is partly because it was my first major tournament, but also because we reached the semi-final, where we sadly lost 1-0 to Sweden. However, I would love this year's championship to be even greater, and I believe it will."

Tremendous unity
Such confidence is another reason why the Brøndby IF star is crucial to Denmark's hopes. She has been likened to Liverpool FC legend Jan Molby such is the range of her passing, a compliment which makes her blush with pride - only she admits she would love to go one better than Molby and capture a major international honour.

'Good chance'
"We'll definitely do everything we can to go for the final," she said. "And I think we have a good chance of reaching that goal, as I see our team this time as much more of a unit than the team we had in Germany four years ago. But at the very least we must get to the last four."

Finnish threat
Before they can dream of a place in semi-finals they must first negotiate their way through the group stages. "In our group Finland is the team we have to beat after defeating them 4-1 in the Algarve Cup this spring," said Sørensen, who is approaching 60 caps.

'Tough opponent'
"England will be a tough opponent, but they are still a team we should be able to beat - and when it comes to Sweden, we got a lot more self-confidence through the 0-0 draw in the recent away friendly against them. We believe we can do it." With that kind of confidence it is little wonder Schmeichel and Laudrup are fearing for their places at the top table.