Football
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Age Hareide named Denmark boss after Morten Olsen exit

Denmark have named former Malmo boss Age Hareide as the new coach of the national team following Morten Olsen's resignation. 

Former Norway international Hareide, 62, has signed a two-year contract with an option for two more years.

Hareide will begin his new job on March 1 in time to prepare for Denmark's 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign, which kicks off at home to Armenia on Sept. 4.

"We need to try to get to the World Cup," he told a televised news conference.

Denmark were drawn with Armenia, Kazakhstan, Montenegro, Poland and Romania in their World Cup group.

Hareide has coached several Scandinavian clubs, and was in charge of Norway from 2003 to 2008. Last week, he announced his departure from Malmo after two years in the job.

He played for Hodd and Molde in Norway before signing for Manchester City and Norwich City. He was capped 50 times for Norway.

After his playing career, he became a coach and won league titles in the three Scandinavian countries: in Sweden, with Helsingborg IF in 1999 and Malmo in 2014; in Denmark, with Brondby in 2002; and in Norway, with Rosenborg in 2003.

"I am proud, happy and humble to be Danish coach and taking over after Morten Olsen, whom I know personally," he added.

Olsen ended his 15-year tenure last month when Denmark failed to qualify for the 2016 European Championship.

Olsen took the Danes to four major championships -- the 2002 and 2010 World Cups, and Euro 2004 and 2012. He was the first Dane to reach 100 national team matches as a player and coach.

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