Part 61 - Danish Cryptonite
UEFA Euro 1992 - Knockout Stage
The first knockout tie was the most anticipated, featuring France and title holders the Netherlands, who almost also became world champions two years before. As expected, the Dutch opened the scoring, but few would've predicted them to have acquired a 2-0 lead by just the 19th minute. France got on the scoresheet early in the second half, which merely prompted the Netherlands to strengthen their defensive grip on the game. Le Bleus were never close to finding a second.
Hosts Sweden topped a highly competitive group. Nevertheless, they were in the Euro knockout stage for the first time in history, as was Scotland, who silenced Råsunda when they opened the scoring in the 11th minute. Sweden responded well, but failed to break down the Scots throughout the remainder of the half. After the break, the Swedes were back with a plan, equalizing in the 54th minute and going in front shortly past the hour mark. Sweden were in the final four.
Denmark had a period of decent major tournament success behind them However, reigning world champions Germany were always the favorites. Played in Oslo, it was Denmark's first match outside of Copenhagen and Brøndby. But in Norway, the Danes would essentially have home advantage regardless. Accordingly - but also shockingly - Denmark did take the lead in the 18th minute. Excellent saves by Peter Schmeichel enabled them to defend it, and when the lead was sensationally doubled late in the second half, the historic result was confirmed. The world champions were eliminated.
The best quarter-final was not saved for last, as Italy ran out 1-0 victors against Wales, who exceeded expectations and could be proud of their campaign.
Denmark were back in Copenhagen for the semi-final against the title holders and played in high gear from minute one. By just the 33rd minute, Denmark led 2-1. Though tragically, the Dutch equalized as added time was approaching. Some heroic Schmeichel saves took the game to a shootout, despite the Danes also creating some dangerous opportunities. Here, Schmeichel took his valiant efforts to greater heights when he took his Denmark to the final.
Sweden had learned their lesson after falling behind early against Scotland. Against Italy, the Swedes sensationally soared to a 2-0 lead before half-time. After the break, Italy were rejuvenated and were the better team. Inevitably, they got on the scoresheet. In the 74th minute, though they could have done so sooner. Nevertheless, Sweden's last-ditch defending was enough to scrape to the final.
Sweden had not played in a major final in 34 years and had not won anything in 12 additional years. Their opponents were their neighbors and arch-rivals Denmark, who played in their first final ever after an extremely hard route there. They had grown into the tournament magnificently after their underwhelming group stage display. The final was a close, tense and entertaining game that was goalless for the opening 45 minutes. However, with close to an hour played, Tomas Brolin put his Sweden in front. This lead was successfully defended, and the Swedes were European champions for the first time in history.
Knockout stage of UEFA Euro 1992.
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All three of you correctly predicted the quarter-final winners. Well done!
Stay tuned for the 1994 World Cup, where a lot of interesting changes await.