Denmark boss unsure of starting side

Thomas Gravesen may not have been promised a return to the Danish side after his one-match suspension, but the midfielder believes his side must improve when they face Bulgaria in Braga today if they are to stay in the competition.

The Everton star, who is believed to favour a move away from Goodison Park if he can impress potential buyers here in Euro 2004, watched the Danes’ first match – the 0-0 draw with Italy – and insists they must not be so wasteful with their chances if they want to get past the group stage.

Gravesen said: “We created a lot of chances against Italy, and on this level we have to take them. I am not just talking about the strikers because defenders and midfielders also get their chances too, and they were not being put away.”

Denmark chief Morten Olsen admits he is unsure about recalling Gravesen, particularly with Jesper Gronkjaer available again after he attended his mother’s funeral on Monday.

Olsen said: “I must admit that I am in doubt about Gravesen. He may not be willing to wait any longer to play, but maybe he will have to.”

Gravesen, for his part, said: “Everyone in this team will be terribly disappointed not to start on the pitch.”

Olsen also has to consider whether Gronkjaer is in the right frame of mind to play, saying: “It is difficult to name the team. Now that Gronkjaer is here we can pick from all shelves, so to speak.”

But Gronkjaer has been quick to stake his claim after training with the squad in their Alvor headquarters. He said: “I feel I have adjusted to the heat already.

“I have been told by my team-mates that it is even hotter up north, where we are going to play in Braga, but I feel ready for that too.”

Olsen is considering some tactical changes to face the Bulgarians, saying: “They have seen how we played against Italy, and of course we will mainly stick to our own way of playing.

“However, we still might want to change a thing or two, and there is no reason to reveal our plans before the match.”

Denmark will be hoping to take full advantage of playing a side who conceded five in their last game, and if they pull off the expected win over the Bulgarians, a quarter-final place beckons.

Italy have a tough game in the Estadio do Dragao against rampant Sweden, who top the group after the 5-0 victory in their opener, so Denmark, who face the Swedes in their last game, must take the full points against a deflated Bulgaria.