Introduction
In the annals of international football, certain triumphs resonate with a unique blend of astonishment and inspiration. Among these, Denmark’s victory at Euro 1992 stands out, perhaps as the most improbable major tournament win ever witnessed.
Remarkably, Denmark’s Euro 1992 journey began without qualification. They were late entrants, granted a place just under two weeks before the competition commenced. The reason? Yugoslavia, initially qualified, faced a ban from UEFA due to the escalating conflict within the nation.
Yugoslavia’s unexpected expulsion opened a door for Denmark, the runners-up from their qualifying group. At the time of the announcement, the Yugoslavian squad had already established their training camp in Sweden, the tournament’s host nation, ready for the competition.
Despite the narrative of unpreparedness often associated with Denmark’s campaign, it’s a slight exaggeration to paint the entire team as being on holiday. While some players were enjoying a brief respite, the Danish domestic league season had only concluded two weeks prior to the tournament’s kickoff. Furthermore, the national team had a friendly match scheduled against CIS, the newly formed entity replacing the Soviet Union, just a week before the Euros.
Denmark’s unexpected success coincided with a period of national introspection. Across Europe, Denmark was making headlines as its electorate narrowly rejected the Maastricht Treaty in a referendum. This vote was briefly perceived as a significant obstacle to the formation of the European Union (then known as the European Economic Community), an entity that Denmark would eventually join the following year. In a moment of dark humor, Danish foreign secretary Uffe Ellemann-Jensen quipped about Denmark’s sudden Euro 1992 participation: “If you can’t join them, beat them.”
Adding to their unexpected advantage, Denmark enjoyed geographical proximity to the host nation. Their opening match against England was held in Malmo, Sweden. Even before the construction of the Oresund Bridge, it was a straightforward journey, a short ferry trip from Copenhagen, the Danish capital.
The Manager: Richard Moller Nielsen
Richard Moller Nielsen assumed the managerial role amidst considerable skepticism. A former defender with two Denmark caps earned three decades prior, Nielsen had achieved domestic success, winning two Danish championships. However, he was also known for his tenure as assistant to Sepp Piontek, the previous national team coach.
Richard Moller Nielsen managing Denmark during Euro 1992
Richard Moller Nielsen, Denmark’s coach, is seen on the sidelines during a Euro 1992 match, directing his team.
Piontek was celebrated for cultivating an exciting, attacking team that captured the hearts of neutrals during the 1986 World Cup. Nielsen, in contrast, favored pragmatism over flair, emphasizing structure and defense. His tactical approach was perceived as rudimentary, defensive, and somewhat uninspiring, aligning with traditional Scandinavian football stereotypes.
The contrast in styles led to friction. Peter Schmeichel, Denmark’s goalkeeper, publicly apologized to Nielsen after quipping to the media that Piontek had elevated Danish football to “upper class” while Nielsen had relegated it to “lower class.”
Nielsen’s defensive mindset also alienated Michael Laudrup, arguably Denmark’s greatest ever player. Laudrup, in protest, stepped away from the national team, declaring he would not return until Nielsen was replaced. His brother, Brian Laudrup, also initially resigned in solidarity. This widespread disapproval made Nielsen deeply unpopular throughout Denmark.
However, when Denmark’s Euro 1992 participation was confirmed, Brian Laudrup reconsidered and rejoined the squad. Michael, however, remained firm in his decision. He spent the tournament on holiday in the USA, watching from afar as Denmark achieved their greatest footballing triumph, a moment he missed. Michael Laudrup eventually returned to the national team a year later, representing Denmark at Euro 1996 and the 1998 World Cup.
Tactics: The Danish Blueprint for Euro 1992
Denmark’s tactical framework under Nielsen was built around a 5-3-2 formation, a system they had employed for several years. However, the tournament saw crucial tactical adjustments that proved pivotal to their success. Following a lackluster 0-0 draw against England and a 1-0 defeat to host nation Sweden, Nielsen made a significant change. He replaced striker Bent Christensen, who had struggled to find form, with attacking midfielder Henrik Larsen.
This tactical shift proved transformative for two key reasons. Firstly, Larsen injected much-needed attacking impetus, scoring the opening goal in the unexpected 2-1 victory against France. This win secured Denmark’s progression to the knockout stages. Larsen continued his scoring streak, netting twice in the dramatic 2-2 semi-final draw against the Netherlands.
Secondly, Larsen’s inclusion allowed Brian Laudrup to operate in a more advanced role. From this position, Brian Laudrup became Denmark’s primary attacking threat, particularly on counter-attacks. He formed a potent partnership with striker Flemming Povlsen. Povlsen, a tireless forward known for his work rate rather than prolific goalscoring, excelled in the international arena, providing crucial link-up play and defensive contributions from the front.
Brian Laudrup controlling the ball in the Euro 1992 final
Brian Laudrup, a key attacking player for Denmark, maneuvers the ball during the Euro 1992 final match.
This tactical setup was evident in the final lineup, although a defensive reshuffle was necessary due to a serious knee injury sustained by left wing-back Henrik Andersen in the semi-final.
Denmark's Euro 1992 Final Lineup
Nielsen’s Denmark primarily adopted a counter-attacking strategy. Their approach featured a robust defensive block, anchored by the tenacious John Jensen in midfield. Despite their defensive solidity, they were not devoid of attacking intent. All three central midfielders frequently ventured into advanced positions, and the wing-backs were encouraged to push forward aggressively, contributing to attacks.
Key Player: Peter Schmeichel, The Great Dane
While Brian Laudrup showcased moments of brilliance, particularly against France and the Netherlands where he tormented Frank de Boer, the undisputed linchpin of Denmark’s Euro 1992 triumph was Peter Schmeichel. Just a year into his tenure at Manchester United, Schmeichel was among the few Danish players competing abroad.
Schmeichel endured a shaky start to the tournament, notably in the goalless draw against England. Striker Povlsen’s sarcastic remark to the media, “Some people have said we have the best goalkeeper in the world — I wonder why we didn’t bring him with us,” reflected the initial doubts.
However, Schmeichel’s performances dramatically improved as the tournament progressed. He delivered outstanding displays throughout the knockout stages. His aggressive approach to claiming crosses, often at the expense of his own teammates, became a hallmark of his game.
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In the semi-final against the Netherlands, despite being beaten by Dennis Bergkamp’s strike for the first Dutch equalizer, Schmeichel redeemed himself with a crucial penalty save against Marco van Basten in the shootout. He then replicated his heroics in the final, notably denying Stefan Reuter in a one-on-one situation with his trademark sprawling save and producing a spectacular flying save from a Jurgen Klinsmann header, among numerous other vital stops.
Peter Schmeichel's Penalty Save vs Van Basten
Peter Schmeichel makes a decisive save against Marco van Basten during the penalty shootout in the Euro 1992 semi-final.
Schmeichel also played a central role in one of Denmark’s less glamorous tactics – the backpass. In Euro 1992, the last major tournament before the backpass rule was implemented (prohibiting goalkeepers from handling deliberate passes from teammates), Denmark exploited this loophole. They frequently utilized long backpasses, often 30-yard balls from defense or midfield, to Schmeichel. Schmeichel would then collect the ball, strategically waste time, and launch it downfield. Schmeichel himself has since expressed slight embarrassment about this tactic, acknowledging the backpass law as “the best rule change in football ever.”
You Might Be Surprised To Learn…
Denmark’s initial approach to Euro 1992 was remarkably casual. They anticipated a brief stay in Sweden, expecting to be eliminated after the group stage. This relaxed attitude permeated their entire tournament experience, with manager Nielsen adopting a surprisingly lenient approach to team discipline.
As detailed by Dave Farrar in an article for Blizzard magazine, Danish players recount some unconventional moments from their Euro 1992 campaign. These included an impromptu mini-golf session on the eve of their crucial final group match, a Burger King dinner two nights before the semi-final, and partners staying at the team hotel the night before the final – a decision made after realizing German fans had occupied most of Stockholm’s hotel rooms.
The Final: Denmark vs Germany
Despite overcoming the Netherlands in the semi-final via penalties, Denmark remained significant underdogs against Germany in the final. Germany boasted a far stronger squad, enjoyed an extra day of rest, and Denmark themselves seemed taken aback by their continued presence in the tournament.
Germany dominated the early stages of the final, with Schmeichel repeatedly called into action throughout the first half. Danish players later admitted that conceding an early goal would likely have been insurmountable. However, against the run of play, Denmark seized the lead through an unexpected source.
John Jensen, notorious for his wayward shooting – a reputation that persisted during his subsequent stint at Arsenal – defied expectations. On the edge of the penalty area, he connected perfectly with a cutback from the right wing, unleashing a powerful shot inside the near post. Martin Tyler’s commentary for British television encapsulated the shock: “Yes! Jensen! John Jensen has finally got one right!”
However, Schmeichel remained the true hero, delivering another outstanding performance for a Danish team that was, realistically, under sustained pressure from Germany. Denmark needed a second goal to secure victory.
The Defining Moment: Vilfort’s Goal Amidst Personal Tragedy
Amidst the fairytale narrative of Denmark’s improbable Euro 1992 win, a poignant personal story unfolded.
Denmark’s second goal in the final, sealing their victory, was scored by Kim Vilfort. The midfielder surged into the penalty area, cut inside, and fired a shot off the near post and into the net.
Kim Vilfort Scores the Second Goal in the Final
Kim Vilfort scores Denmark’s second goal in the Euro 1992 final, a goal that secured their unexpected victory.
Throughout the tournament, Vilfort had been commuting between Sweden and Denmark to be with his young daughter, Line, who was terminally ill with leukemia. The Danish FA initially cited “personal reasons” for his absences from training. However, when a media outlet revealed the specific reason, his family’s ordeal became public, much to their distress.
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Vilfort has resisted the label of “hero.” He returned from Denmark to play in only the semi-final and final, encouraged by his family who urged him not to miss what became the most significant weeks of his sporting career. Tragically, Line passed away shortly after the tournament concluded.
Were They Truly The Best Team at Euro 1992?
Denmark’s journey to Euro 1992 glory was undeniably unconventional. They hadn’t initially qualified, were considered 50-1 outsiders (and even 150-1 after failing to score in their first two matches), and ultimately won only two games throughout the tournament. They also benefited from fortunate moments, including a potentially offside goal against France and Vilfort’s final goal which some argue involved a handball.
However, Denmark’s path to the final was undeniably impressive. After a slow start with no goals and just one point from their opening two matches against England and Sweden, they proceeded to defeat France, the Netherlands, and Germany – all pre-tournament favorites. Furthermore, they achieved these victories with solid scorelines: 2-1 against France, 2-2 (and penalty win) against the Netherlands, and 2-0 against Germany.
Despite Nielsen’s emphasis on defensive organization, Denmark scored six goals in those three knockout stage matches against top-tier opposition. “We had fantastic spirit,” Vilfort reflected. “We didn’t have the best players, but we had the best team.”
(Top photo: Getty Images)
