Denmark is one team which has been the Nordic rival of Sweden in international football. If the Swedes were famous back in 1950s than now, the Danes have just gained their reputation as the dark horse in 1980s and 1990s, especially after their magical EURO campaign resulting an unlikely silverware in 1992.
Overall Campaign
Denmark’s performance in world cup finals have always been satisfactory, except the 2010 edition when they failed to advance to the knock out stage for the first time since their debut in 1986. Their best result was in France 1998. At that time, Laudrup brothers and Co managed to reach a quarter final after smashing Nigeria 4-1 in the round of 16. At the group stage, Bo Johansson’s men collected four points from a win over Saudi Arabia, a draw against South Africa and a defeat from the host and eventual champion, France. Unfortunately, Denmark had to take on Brazil and despite being in-form, Brazil with their phenomenon Ronaldo knocked them out 3-2. It was praised as one of the most entertaining game in the tournament. Their next best campaign was in their maiden world cup, Mexico 1986. Morten Olsen and Co had a great result in the preliminary round by securing three wins over Scotland, Uruguay and Germany. Sadly, Spain halted their journey and hammered them 5-1 in the round of 16. It was the same stage they were beaten in 2002 and 2018.
Iconic Moments
Denmark’s most noteworthy moment took place in Mexico 1986. Their last game of the group stage against Germany was worth remembering as Sepp Piontek’s side thumped Lothar Matthaeus and Co 2-0. Jesper Olsen and Jan Eriksen scored their winning goals. Another moment of glory was in Japan Korea 2002. Once again they crushed a high profile team by the same score. This time the victim was the defending champions France. Dennis Rommedahl and John Dahl Tomasson were the scorers.
Nevertheless, their 1-3 defeat against Japan on match day three in South Africa 2010 remains the most disappointing one. It was the only time the Danes did not succeed to progress as Niklas Bertner and Co only managed to snatch three points.
Top Players & Managers
In Denmark, each of the manager who guided the team to the final round shared the same credit, from Sepp Piontek (1986), Morten Olsen (2002,2010) and Age Heirelde (2018), but one name is slightly more popular, Bo Johannsson who led them to the last eight but had a luxury of Laudrup brothers in his final squad. Michael and Brian Laudrup are the legendary names in Danish football including in the world cup. They are in line with Preben Elkjaer, Martin Jorgensen, Peter Schmeichel and his heir, Kasper, plus Christian Eriksen.
