Bille backs home support to spur on Denmark

Denmark's Nicki Bille Nielsen insists that hosting the UEFA European Under-21 Championship will be beneficial for his team despite the added pressure and expectation of the home crowd.

The omens bode well for Denmark, who, as hosts, will hope to emulate the Netherlands' triumph in native Groningen in 2007 and Sweden's semi-final appearance on home ground two years ago. Having qualified automatically, Denmark's preparations for their opening Group A fixture against Switzerland have been limited to a run of friendly matches.

However, after impressive displays against fellow finalists Ukraine and Spain, the Villarreal CF forward is the most likely candidate to spearhead Denmark's attack in front of what should be an impressive crowd in Aalborg on Saturday.

"There have been around 10,000 supporters at the last few games we've had in Denmark, even though they were only friendly matches, which is brilliant and makes you feel very supported," said the 23-year-old.

"It's really great to look up and see tens of thousands of supporters there for you, so we are really looking forward to playing the U21 tournament. Even though we are a small nation with a little over five million inhabitants, it is amazing how well people back the U21 team."

Bille takes his place in a talented squad which also contains the likes of highly-rated AFC Ajax midfielder Christian Eriksen and Mathias Zanka, who has UEFA Champions League experience with FC København this season.

Iceland and Belarus are also in Group A although Bille − who scored twice in Denmark's final warm-up game, a 4-0 defeat of Turkey on Monday − knows first-hand the challenge that lies in wait should Denmark progress to the semi-finals.

"Ukraine went through [against the Netherlands in a play-off], but that isn't much of a surprise," added the former FC Nordsjælland forward. "You shouldn't underestimate teams like that, they are super strong, and have beaten Holland and France in qualifying."

Bille added: "Spain are the clear favourites. They have won the Euros and the World Cup, which means they will want to win the U21s, qualify for the Olympics and win that, too. They are clear favourites, but don't underestimate Denmark."