Denmark took the pressure off the bed:
Usually, it is the seasoned, high-profile players who are brought up to attend the official press conferences before World Cup matches.
Ahead of Denmark’s opening match against Tunisia, it was captain Simon Kjær and goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.
In front of the second match against France, it was the star Christian Eriksen.
On Tuesday it was announced at Tottenham profile Pierre-Emile Højbjerg was to be exposed to press questions ahead of Wednesday’s match against Australia, which Denmark must win to advance to the round of 16.
That’s why it took the journalists to bed when it was the 22-year-old, far less well-known Jesper Lindstrøm who appeared on the podium next to national team manager Kasper Hjulmand.
Eintracht Frankfurt’s surprising performance quickly became the theme during the press conference when a journalist stated that, «with all due respect to Lindstrøm», it was surprising to see someone so inexperienced there – and surprised by changes from Højbjerg.
A way to reduce media pressure against the match, perhaps? Hjulmand himself was answerable.
– I don’t know that. You have to ask our press man. It is good that some of the younger people are also here, says Hjulmand.
The session receives attention in the Danish media, including Ekstra Bladet, which reports on the case with the title “Why did he sit there?”.
Hjulmand was also asked if Lindstrøm’s presence means he will start in Australia on Wednesday.
– We are not going to reveal who will start, says Hjulmand.
Højbjerg’s absence from the press conference could create speculation that the Spurs star was injured, but according to the manager, the entire Danish squad is ready to play.
– It’s not that, replies to questions about injury problems ahead of the Australia game.
– Not the way it looks now. We train later in the afternoon. The way it looks now, everyone should be ready. You don’t know how they will react, but for the moment everyone must be ready, says the Dane.