Denmark perform at their best when the world is behind them. At Euro 1992, they were "pulled" off the beach (or at least preparing for their holidays) to step in as a last-minute replacement for Yugoslavia, and they defied the odds to win it all. Nearly 30 years later, at Euro 2020, they have recovered from the traumatic circumstances around the cardiac arrest of talisman Christian Eriksen to reach the last four, and their story is not over yet.
In 1992, Denmark's late call-up cemented their place as Europe's favourite underdogs. This year, their semifinal clash against England on Wednesday -- stream LIVE, 3 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN+ (U.S.) -- will be played in front of a partisan crowd at Wembley Stadium, and after Eriksen collapsed on the field during their opening game against Finland nearly three weeks ago, there is seemingly only one choice for the neutrals.
"We arrived late [in 1992], and probably had some sympathy for us," Johnny Molby, who was part of Denmark's squad 29 years earlier, tells ESPN. "It's just like at the moment that everyone feels a little sorry for Denmark."
In 1992, Yugoslavia had already moved into euro host country Sweden when, amid civil war and UN sanctions, they were pulled out. Denmark had failed to make it to the eight-team tournament after finishing second behind Yugoslavia in their qualifying group, but were hastily invited to make the numbers, and their plans to watch the game on TV were immediately canceled. was done.
"A few days ago, there was some talk that it might be possible," striker Kim Vilfort for the 1992 Denmark team told ESPN. "There wasn't much discussion about whether it was right or wrong to go. The discussion was intense and then, 'Okay, let's go.'"
The Danish FA were only officially notified on 30 May 1992 Рthe day the final squads were to submit to UEFA. Manager Richard M̦ller Nielsen was given a few extra days to name his players, and on 11 June, they pitted against England, World Cup semifinalists from two years earlier, in Malm̦.
"We were laughing," Molby recalls of the moment he and his teammates were told they would have a week to prepare. "We were in good physical shape, but there was no hope on us, and all were comfortable."
A goalless draw with England was followed by a 1–0 loss to Sweden, but a 2–1 win over France - secured with a late goal from Lars Alstrup - in their final group game to qualify for the 1992 semi-finals. was sufficient.
At Euro 2020, Finland had a decisive victory after defeats against Russia - understandable after witnessing Ericsson's cardiac arrest during the game - and Belgium. Denmark then set their date with England after beating Wales 4–0 in the last 16 and the Czech Republic 2–1 in the quarter-finals.
"Getting a good result against France was the moment we started to believe that something special could happen," Molby says of the 1992 campaign.
"France had [Eric] Cantona and [Jean-Pierre] Papin; they were a very good team. I think that's the mindset of the Danish people: When you're underdogs and you start getting good results, Denmark is a good team. It's a dangerous team to play against. Everyone's confidence builds up, and it's very difficult to play against [us]. It happened in 1992, and it's still like that."
Although Denmark has reached the semi-finals this year without Ericsson, the 1992 team was also without a key player. They made history without one of their best players when forward Michael Laudrup missed the tournament due to differences with Nielsen, who favored a defensive organization to attack temperament. Laudrup's brother, Brian, had just returned from a serious knee injury, but was named in the tournament's squad along with Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel.
The Netherlands, four years earlier, in 1988, had been beaten on penalties in the semi-finals after a 2–2 draw – Schmeichel saved the deciding spot kick from Marco van Basten – before the final against world champions Germany in Gothenburg.
John Jensen, who signed for Arsenal, scored for Denmark after 18 minutes. With Germany pushing for an equalizer and forcing Schmeichel to make two excellent saves, Wilfort made it 2–0.
The match was played just days after Denmark voted to stay out of the European Union.
"It was a special moment and a special time in Denmark," Wilfort tells ESPN. "It was something that united the whole country, and it is difficult. There are many things that football can't do, but football can. In Denmark, people say they can always remember that they were on June 26, 1992. Where were all the people, even the people who know nothing about football!"
That is going to be similar recall on July 11, 2021 when the team of Casper Hazulmond in the final after defeating England beat Spain or Italy.
"It's possible," says Vilfort. "It is difficult for a semi-final against England at Wembley, but it is only a game. More difficult than the 1992 so confident. Danish team as four knockout matches - and we had two - but anything is possible a. Denmark is not preferred, but people sometimes like to see win the underdog. "
Were even less in their bid to Denmark following the '92 class, in many ways they have already won. According to the team, Ericsson is out of the hospital and is recovering. Lifting the trophy on Sunday comes second in comparison to the health of its star midfielder. Whatever happens from here is a bonus, and Hujulmand believes the experience has brought the group even closer.
After a 4-0 win over Wales Hazulmond said, "When Christians fell, everything has changed." "We were put in a different position: I'm grateful for the support everyone has shown, because that's what we needed in that moment. I admire the boys. They are warriors."
Molby made some additional comparisons between the 1992 and 2021 Danish squads.
"In 1992, it was a big surprise to everyone," Molby says. "This team is capable of doing what the spirit and confidence shows. We have had, and in Denmark again. We were well organized and know what to do. We are against teams with better players We played, but we had the best team."
"Danes are proud of the team, and they are getting very supportive," he explains. "Wembley in England is a tough game, but anything can happen. We showed it in 1992. For a small country, you can do something like that we indicate to Europe, so it's great."
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