Denmark reaped the rewards of holding onto their coach, Morten Olsen, by qualifying for World Cup 2010 in style.

Red brigade: Denmark finished two points above Portugal in their qualifying group for World Cup 2010

Denmark's World Cup record: 1986 1st rd, 1998 QF, 2002 2nd rd.

How Denmark qualified for World Cup 2010: European group 1 winners.

The Coach: Morten Olsen (Danish, 60). Appointed: July 2000. WC experience: Player: 1986. Coach: 2002.

The Country: Denmark are in their fourth finals with Martin Olsen enjoying one of the most extended runs of any of the coaches in South Africa. The country’s vociferous and colourful fans, known as the 'roligans' will be a welcome addition to the finals.

Danish domestic football is enjoying a purple patch and that could explain how the Olsen-Banden, or the Olsen Gang, as they are affectionately known, did so well in qualifying. The Danes finished two points clear of Portugal, who they beat twice, and they will rely heavily on the likes of Thomas Sorensen, Lars Jacobsen and Nicklas Bendtner, who will fly the Premier League flag.

And in Olsen they have a positive leader. After qualifying he said: “Denmark will not be one of the favourites but if we have our best players available, which wasn't the case in the qualification phase, we can achieve a lot.”

That says much about the optimism of a nation that has reached their first major tournament since the 2004 European Championship courtesy, of a 1-0 win over Sweden in Copenhagen. Midfielder Jakob Poulsen's goal was enough to see off Sweden and ensure the Danes’ progression with one round of games remaining in Group One.

After failing to qualify for the 2006 World Cup finals Olsen considered resigning, having received several offers from club teams, but decided to stay and extended his contract until after the 2010 FIFA World Cup, spurred on by his and the team's popularity among the Danish population. What a good decision that proved to be.

Telegraph verdict: A superb qualifying campaign, progressing from a tough group. The Danes don’t appear to have as strong a squad as in previous years but Bendtner has developed into a star for his country and any team that finishes above Sweden – so consistent – needs to be respected. Will be organised but lack strength in depth.