Denmark (Euro ‘92)
A fairytale in which the wonder was not sourced via the rise of nobodies to somebodies (for Denmark’s team contained some excellent players), but the unlikely series of events that even made it a possibility.
With Yugoslavia in civil war, Denmark were given a week to prepare for the European Championship, and placed in a group with Sweden, England and France. A 0-0 draw was followed by a defeat to their Scandinavian neighbours. Only victory over France would take them through; of course they achieved it.
When Denmark followed up that triumph with victories over the holders (Netherlands) and overwhelming favourites (Germany) to lift the trophy, a continent rejoiced. In the space of two weeks, Denmark had established themselves as one of the world’s most renowned cult teams. As with Wales, this was a victory for the power of team spirit over individual brilliance.
Another great story in my opinion was Greece in 2004. Unorthodox playstyle (for most not really attractive to watch) but effective without doubt. You could call it “destructive football” at its finest. But whatever works is the right thing to do, don’t you think?
AntwortenLöschen