14 min listen
The Biggest Upset In Euros History
ratings:
Length:
25 minutes
Released:
Jun 22, 2024
Format:
Podcast episode
Description
Not Meant to Be ThereThe 1992 Euros weren't the extravagant affairs they are today. Yugoslavia's disqualification due to war threw the tournament into disarray, with Denmark getting a last-minute call-up. Even their best player, Laudrup, skipped the Euros due to disagreements with the coach.Small is BeautifulSweden hosted the Euros with a modest approach, nicknamed "Small is Beautiful." The mascot was a rabbit named Rabbit! Denmark started slow, drawing with England and losing to Sweden. But team bonding over mini-golf on the eve of their final group match sparked a turnaround.Underdogs TriumphDenmark, now playing aggressively, defeated France and emerged top of their group. They faced the mighty Netherlands in the semi-finals. The game went to penalties, and Denmark's hero, goalkeeper Schmeichel, saved a crucial kick.Victory Over GermanyThe final against Germany was a historic David vs Goliath clash. Denmark, playing with grit and determination, scored twice and held on for a stunning 2-0 victory. Coach Vogts' atrocious purple tracksuit became a bizarre memory of the match.A Moment in TimeDenmark's win was a national celebration, a sweet victory against arch-rivals Germany. It's unlikely to be repeated in today's Euros, dominated by a few powerful nations with superior resources.Football Then and NowThe 1992 Euros saw more speculative shooting and less emphasis on possession. Today's game is faster, more technical, and arguably more predictable. While Denmark's win is a reminder that underdogs can prevail, the current landscape of European football makes such fairytales rarer.Donate to The Luke Alfred Show on Patreon.Get my book: Vuvuzela Dawn: 25 Sporting Stories that Shaped a New Nation.Get full written episodes of the show a day early on Substack.Check out The Luke Alfred Show on YouTube and Facebook.
Released:
Jun 22, 2024
Format:
Podcast episode
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