June 29 – Denmark will look to invoke the memory of their famous victory over Germany in the Euro 92 final when they take on the host nation in the last 16 of the competition on Saturday.
Just like back then, when they shocked then-world champions Germany with a 2-0 win, the odds are stacked against the Danes, now managed by Kasper Hjulmand.
The two situations, of course, are hardly comparable. The Danes were on the beach 32 years ago when they were called up at the last minute to replace Yugoslavia who were kicked out – and went on to win the jackpot. This time, they have been part of the finals from the start.
“It’s part of growing up that you learn about that particular summer,” said Danish defender Yannick Vestergaard (pictured) as he looked ahead to Saturday’s game in Dortmund.
“The big story back then was that Denmark was quite an outsider, hadn’t even qualified for the tournament. I think we have a good team, but there’s no doubt that for anything special to happen, we would have to be a bit of an upset.”
“Germany will be strong favourites here in front of their home crowd. So it’s going to be a game where we have to play as a team, and it’s one of our big strengths. We’ve shown that before.”
Denmark reached the semifinals of the last Euros but have not won at Euro 2024 so far, drawing all three group games and scoring only twice. Their main striker Rasmus Høylund hasn’t found the net for his country since October.
“It’s a little bit like the big country against the little country. But we’re going to go into the battle and, hope we can do the same as we did in 92,” said assistant coach Christian Poulsen.
“I remember 92. I was a child, 12-years-old, but that’s one of the biggest moments in Danish football. And, I think, that was a nice memory. So if we could do that again, that would be amazing,” he added.
Hjulmand is hoping talisman Christian Eriksen, who has been suffering from a stomach upset, will be fit to play. Denmark certainly can’t afford to lose a player of his quality.
“I said it before the tournament started that I consider Germany one of the favourites. Just too bad they are playing us tomorrow,” said Hjulmand who is nothing if not breezily upbeat.
“Of course the atmosphere will be like an away game. The quality they have, the way they expressed themselves in the first couple of matches, the talent they have. But so do we. So they have to be very good to beat us.”
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