Denmark freshen up with two new faces
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Article summary
Kenneth Heiner-Møller has bolstered Denmark's midfield for their qualifying Group 5 decider against Ukraine next month, with uncapped duo Nanna Christiansen and Tina Rasmussen both being selected.
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Pedersen injured
The highly-rated Christiansen steps up from the national Under-19 side, with whom she has been a mainstay for several years. "Nanna is a regular for Brøndby [IF], where she has developed a lot in recent weeks," said Heiner-Møller. "She has not been called up as one for the future, but because she is good now." The 28-year-old Rasmussen, whom the coach believes is "the sort of player whose hard work makes her team-mates look good", is also included as Denmark target the two-goal or 1-0 victory needed against Ukraine to reach the finals at their opponents' expense, and avoid the play-offs . Merete Pedersen is also nominated for the game in Viborg on 1 October, despite a foot injury.
Denmark squad
Goalkeepers: Heidi Elgaard Johansen (Fortuna Hjørring) Tine Cederkvist (Brøndby IF).
Defenders: Camilla Sand Andersen (Fortuna Hjørring) Christina Øvangen Ørntoft (LdB Malmö FC) Katrine Pedersen (Asker Skiklub) Line Røddik Hansen (Brøndby IF) Mariann Knudsen (Fortuna Hjørring) Marie Bjerg (Skovbakken IK).
Midfielders: Mia Bak Pedersen (Asker Skiklub) Mia Olsen (Brøndby IF) Cathrine Paaske Sørensen (Brøndby IF) Nanna Christiansen (Brøndby IF) Tina Rasmussen (Skovbakken IK).
Forwards: Johanna Rasmussen (Umeå IK) Lene Jensen (Brøndby IF) Maiken With Pape (Brøndby IF) Merete Pedersen (Odense BK) Tanja Mejer Christensen (Brøndby IF).