CPH Post - Euro 2020 Guide

READY FOR KICK OFF! EURO 2020 GUIDE

DBUFOTOS

INTRODUCTION

BY CHRISTIAN WENANDE ‘Faxe’ Jensen’s bullet, Suker’s chip, Trezeguet’s golden goal, Panenka’s penalty, Elkjær’s ripped shorts … the list goes on and on when it comes to legendary European Championship moments.

Being half Danish, Euro 92 stands out for me of course … I was only 13 at the time.

When your country’s biggest sporting achievement also happens to be one of football’s greatest underdog stories, it’s something quite special indeed. Just ask a Greek about Euro 2004.

But enough walks down memory lane. It’s on to Euro 2020!

A first for Copenhagen There is a certain buzz about a participating country when a major tournament like the Euros rolls around.

And in Copenhagen, the level this summer could reach fever pitch.

This will be the Danish capital’s first taste of hosting a major championship game.

It is true that COVID-19 has put a severe damper on it all, with fans from across Europe unable to travel between cities and countries as they normally would.

But the fact remains that this edition will offer something that no other Euro has ever done before … and perhaps never will again.

Instead of a single or a pair of countries sharing hosting duties as is traditionally the case, the tournament this year will be spread across 11 cities in Europe to celebrate the 60th ‘birthday’ of the tournament.

Atmosphere galore So for those of you who have never experienced a major football tournament close up, brace yourself for a fantastic ride.

Suddenly the city transforms into a melting pot of languages, atmosphere and intercultural glee as fans flood in from near and far.

The guide in your hands right now is a good place to start to it all off.

From bar options and local connections to historical perspectives and your very own wallchart, it offers readers insight into what’s about to kick off on June 11.

Copenhagen was chosen from many cities applying to be among the hosts.

Euro 2020 is in your city! So get out there and breathe it all in.

The Danish capital will host three group games – all involving Denmark – and a last16 match-up.

And you might want to check out the iconic Danish football tune from Mexico 86: ‘ReSepp-Ten’. You’re about to hear it. A lot.

ADVERTORIAL

USING THE BEAUTIFUL GAME TO DISCOVER THE SPORTS JOURNALIST OF THE FUTURE

PHOTO: MARKUS JUST

The Gazprom initiative Football for Friendship: Euro 2020 News Bureau has launched a contest aimed at young teens in the 11 hosting cities of Euro 2020 Mozart was composing music from the age of five, Stevie Wonder a household name at the age of 12 despite being blind, while Doogie Howzer graduated from university aged 10 and was practicing medicine at the age of 14.

Granted, the last one on the list was fictional, but his story wasn’t really that preposterous: child geniuses have been defying the odds to enter the adult world for centuries – once they got over that hurdle of being accused of witchcraft or worshipped as a deity in solitary confinement.

Take 2014 Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai and what she’s achieved. At the age of 15, the young journalist became one of the world’s best known women when she defied the Taliban and nearly lost her life – and the most influential.

While the world of sport regularly produces youngsters at the pinnacle of their careers: from Nadia Comaneci to Boris Becker.

It all goes to show the potential of teenagers, which must explain why the Russian stateowned multinational energy company Gazprom is seeking out the journalists of the future through its Euro 2020 education program ‘Football for Friendship’ (FFF).

Match reports The Gazprom initiative Football for Friendship: Euro 2020 News Bureau has sought out 12 young writers from each of the 11 cities cohosting the European Championship.

The ‘young ambassadors’, who were selected on a competitive basis, will contribute pre and post match reports at one of the four Euro 2020 games at Parken, where they will be accompanied by one of their parents or a responsible adult.

They will also produce video and photos, which will be published by an information centre providing news to millions of children and teenagers across the world. Additionally, they will receive a F4F journalist certificate.

The best eleven The best ‘journalist’ from each city will be shortlisted for a top eleven by an international jury, from which one lucky winner will be selected to attend a prestigious internship.

The overall winner will be decided via an online vote on UEFA’s platforms, and then the winner will be announced at the Author of Best Goal award ceremony, which will be held and broadcast online.

youngsters film part of their experience at the stadium.

Each match day will be attended by a ‘country supervisor’, who will support the young journalists at work and act as the contact person throughout the experience.

“The aim of the competition is to find talented young journalists, support their interest in sports journalism, and develop their journalistic skills,” explained the FFF Organising Committee.

In total, FFF has broken three Guinness World Records: for the most multinational football training session in history (2019), for the most users on a football/soccer video hangout (2020) and for the most users to visit a virtual stadium (during the FFF eWorld Championship in 2021).

THE PROCESS Candidates need to be born between 13 May 2006 and 13 May 2009

The winner will receive a digital trophy, and They need to have an interest in and a three-dimensional hologram of it will be created at the UEFA headquarters, which will knowledge of football subsequently remain on the display at the As well as possessing advanced English-writing UEFA headquarters in Switzerland. skills, they need to be adept at taking photos and video using a mobile phone, and using Program details social media As part of the FFF program, the Euro 2020 match attendees will sit an online program The online course consists of six classes, of via Zoom (June 10-July 5) where they will which each are 45 minutes long, along with be schooled on the nine core FFF values: some self-study friendship, equality, justice, health, peace, loyalty, victory, tradition and honour.

Find out more at footballforfriendship.com, or via the FFF Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Mobile journalism will be another key YouTube platforms focus – which will come in handy when the

If interested send an email to hans@cphpost.dk

MAIN FEATURE

DIVIDED LOYALITES

PHOTO: PIXABAY

BY CHRISTIAN WENANDE Three families representing Denmark and its Group B opposition talk about their divided loyalties when national pride is at stake Euro 2020 this summer promises to be special on so many levels.

It will be the first – and maybe the last – time that a major football tournament will be co-hosted in Copenhagen.

Sure, COVID has been a damp cloth on what could have been a monumental summer of football - fan travel has been significantly curtailed - but there is no denying that the buzz has been mounting.

Pledge of allegiance And there is an added element of excitement for a certain group … the mixed nationality families. More specifically, those who have links to Denmark as well as the countries in Group B: Finland, Russia or Belgium.

Goal average in qualifying: 2.875 Concession average in qualifying: 0.75

Married to a Russian, I myself am no stranger to such sentiments.

Star man: Christian Eriksen – there is no doubt that Denmark are a different team without their midfield talisman. The main creative force and one of the best on his day. Simply irreplaceable.

Fathers and daughters pitted against mothers and sons. Even that estranged uncle who smells of pipe tobacco and musty old football socks gets drafted in to make up numbers. The gloves are off!

From Finnish saunas and Belgian sausages to Russian BBQs and Danish beer … there was ample banter kicking about ahead of Euro 2020.

EURO 2020

Qualified: Denmark qualified directly by finsihing second behind Switzerland in Group D. The Danes were unbeaten in eight games.

It can be jovial, mischievous and volatile … all at the same time. With national pride at stake, even children are not off limits when it comes to securing allegiances.

So to this end, we caught up with three families in Denmark who face this very predicament: having links to Denmark and either Finland, Russia or Belgium.

4

DENMARK

Coach: Kasper Hjulmand Captain: Simon Kjær

Unsung hero: Pierre-Emile Højbjerg – following some early teething issues, Højbjerg seems to have finally matured into his promise. A fierce competitor who keeps the opposition at bay, while getting the odd goal as well.

Surprise package: Anders Christiansen – the Malmö midfielder surprisingly picked over players from better leagues.

FIFA World Ranking: 10 Tournament odds: 28/1 Group odds: 11/4 Previous Euros: 8 Best Euro performance: 1992 – Winners Nickname: The Red & White Verdict: Denmark are playing some of their best football in quite some time and must be considered favourites to come second behind Belgium in Group B. After that? Well, who says they can’t repeat their 1992 fairytale triumph.

MAIN FEATURE

BELGIUM Qualified: Belgium won all ten of their matches, becoming the seventh national side to qualify for a European Championship with a 100 percent record Goal average in qualifying: 4.00 Concession average in qualifying: 0.3 Coach: Roberto Martinez Captain: Eden Hazard Star man: Kevin de Bruyne – with four goals and seven assists during qualification, the man is critical to Belgium’s title aspirations.

Unsung hero: Youri Tielemans – with all of Belgium’s fire power up front, someone needs to hold the opposition at bay. Tielemans has steadily improved for Leicester City and could be that missing championship ingredient.

Surprise package: Axel Witsel – just coming back from a long achilles tendon injury.

FIFA World Ranking: 1 Tournament odds: 6/1 Group odds: 8/11 Previous Euros: 5 When he’s not busy dishing out traditional Belgian meats and beer in Thirion - his quaint little gem of a charcuterie on Prinsessegade in Christianshavn – Eric Thirion’s passion lies in tennis and his beloved Red Devils.

Eric fondly recalls Belgium’s epic run in the 1986 World Cup and gleefully recounts gathering friends and family to watch his country’s recent glory in Russia 2018.

Since coming to Denmark in 2000, Eric has made a point of following Belgium when they play on the big stage.

However, his son Gustav, 20, has embraced a different path. His heroes aren’t Enzo Scifo, Jean-Marie Pfaff or Eden Hazard. He’s a staunch Denmark supporter.

His dad doesn’t seem to mind though. In fact, he enjoys it. Becasue it’s all about having a good time for the Thirion clan.

Do you intend to watch the game together?

Eric: I actually have a ticket for the game, so it all depends on that. However, if that falls through, I will host some event at home with family and friends and we will see it together.

Is one of you more vocal than the other in your support?

Gustav: Definitely my dad. He jumps up onto the sofa. I celebate, but my dad really shows his passion.

There’s a bit of a split in the family in terns of allegiance. How does that play out at home?

Gustav: I was raised in Denmark, have Danish friends and go to Danish school, even though my dad probably wishes that things were different.

Eric: Actually, I rather enjoy the banter and back-and-forth we have together. Besides, Gustav is lucky enough to be able to support Belgium if Denmark goes out early.

Gustav: Yeah, I begin by supporting Denmark, but if they go out I’ll be happy to show some love to Belgium if they’re still in the tournament.

Best Euro performance: 1980 – Runners-up Nickname: The Red Devils Verdict: Belgium are firm favourites to win Group B and among the top tips to win the whole competition. A last chance for the golden generation?

What’s more likely to happen on game day? A cold Tuborg or some charcuterie with a Belgian beer?

Gustav: My dad loves his Belgian beer, but I’m probably not as well seasoned there.

My dad really enjoys inviting friends over and cooking some good food when there’s a game on.

Who will be most upset by a loss?

Eric: I don’t think anyone will be upset. We might be a bit disappointed, but we’ll sleep fine. For us it’s all about having fun.

What do you guys think the final score will be?

Eric says 3-0 to Belgium, while Gustav predicts a 1-1 draw.

MAIN FEATURE

When Jouni Salo first came to Copenhagen in? He probably wasn’t imagining that a decade later he would be living in Viborg with Danish wife Line and two kids.

terms of allegiance?

Jouni: Not sure. We asked and both kids said Finland. One of them quickly changed it to Denmark to not upset Mom.

Then again, he likely didn’t predict that Finland would be participating in its first ever major football tournament in 2021 either – with their first ever game being against Denmark!

This is Finland’s first major tournament in football, but the Finns have ample pedigree in ice hockey. So, is it Teemu Pukki or Teemu Selänne in the Salo household?

Jouni: Got to be Selänne. The other family members don’t even know who they are.

As is the case with most Finns, Jouni’s true love is ice hockey and his significant other Line is not averse to remind him of that time Denmark shocked the Finns at the World Championship.

Could the Finns spring a surprise of their own? Jouni seems doubtful.

Do you intend to watch the game together?

Jouni: Maybe. If they show the game for free on the telly we will watch it. But honestly, we’re not that fond of football.

Ice hockey and Eurovision on the other hand ...

Would you say that one of you will be louder than the other in your support?

Jouni: That would be Line. Definitely.

I suppose your kids are aware that something is going down. Have they picked a side or is it a stalemate in

6

EURO 2020

Denmark and Finland have faced off numerous times on the ice hockey rink over the years. How is the Euros going to measure up?

Jouni: Usually Finland is the stronger team on ice.

Line: But remember when we saw Denmark-Finland in Herning in 2018.

Denmark won 3-2! Wuhuu!

Jouni: Yeah and I’m afraid Finland will get slaughtered by Denmark on grass too.

FINLAND Qualified: Finland accomplished a monumental task by finishing second in Group J behind Italy to qualify for their first major tournament in history.

Goal average in qualifying: 2.08 Concession average in qualifying: 1.00 Coach: Markku Kanerva Captain: Tim Sparv Star man: Teemu Pukki – the Norwich striker has enjoyed a cracking season for club and country, netting 10 goals in as many games in qualification.

But will he return from injury in time?

Unsung hero: Lukas Hradecky – the Bayer Leverkusen keeper anchored the Finnish defence in almost all of the qualifiers, helping his team keep a clean sheet in six out of ten games.

Surprise package: Marcus Forss – the young Brentford striker beat out competition from more seasoned goal scorers.

FIFA World Ranking: 54

What’s more likely to happen on game day? A cold beer in the sauna at halftime or a rød pølse on the grill?

Why not combine the two? We have both a sauna and a grill in the backyard. Kippis!

Tournament odds: 500/1

What do you guys think the final score will be?

5-0 to Denmark

Nickname: Huuhkajat (The Eagle-owls)

Group odds: 16/1 Previous Euros: 0 Best Euro performance: First-time participant Verdict: Finland are going to struggle to get out of the group, but given it’s their first time, their fans will no doubt enjoy every second of the ride.

MAIN FEATURE

RUSSIA Qualified: Finished second in Group I behind Belgium thanks to eight wins out of ten games – they lost to the Belgians twice.

Goal average in qualifying: 3.3 Concession average in qualifying: 0.8 Coach: Stanislav Cherchesov Captain: Artem Dzyuba Star man: Artem Dzyuba – the massive Zenit St Petersburg forward finished top scorer in the group with nine goals. That form needs to continue if Russia want to progress.

Unsung hero: Denis Cheryshev – the Valencia winger provided goals and assists during qualification, but is returning from long-term injury.

Surprise package: Maksim Mukhin – the 19-year-old with just two caps to his name faces a baptism of fire.

FIFA World Ranking: 38 Tournament odds: 66/1 Group odds: 4/1 Previous Euros: 11 (5 as Soviet Union) Best Euro performance: 1960 – Winners Nickname: Nashi parni (Our Guys) Verdict: Russia will be battling Denmark for second place in Group B and their big group finale clash in Copenhagen on June 21 promises to be an epic showdown.

When Alla Kurka came to Denmark and met Thomas Plass in 2011, a Danish husband mental about football was probably not her top priority. Ah well. Love conquers all.

Alla and Thomas often enjoy spending their spare time with their two kids at the zoo or Tivoli, or travel to exotic destinations.

But when the football season is on, there’s a comprehensive chance that the latter will be at Parken Stadium watching his beloved FC Copenhagen or heading abroad for a Denmark away fixture.

When the ball gets rolling, Thomas is usually an unstoppable force – and when he comes home, Alla says, he’s often an immovable object.

Do you intend to watch the game together?

Thomas: Alla is currently back in Russia, but if she comes back in time, we will definintely be watching it together ... cheering on opposite sides of the sofa.

Would you say that one of you will be louder than the other in your support?

Alla: Thomas. Without a doubt.

Thomas: Yeah, that’s me for sure. I’m the one who usually shouts the loudest anyways.

Your kids are a bit young, but are they aware that something is going down.

Thomas: Not really. But Lukas (6) is well keen when FC Copenhagen plays. Then he can sit and watch with me on the sofa.

What’s more likely to happen on game

day? A hotdog and a cold Tuborg or Russian shashlik and vodka?

Thomas: For me the cold Tuborg is a must when watching football, but Alla does enjoy cooking up a storm. So I guess it’s a bit of both at the end of the day.

Who will be most upset by a loss?

Thomas: Me, for sure. I’m the one who really gets into football, so a loss would sting a little harder I think. Alla isn’t the big football fan, so I’m sure she’ll sleep fine at night if Russia loses.

Alla: Yes, I will.

What do you guys think the final score will be?

Thomas: 2-1 to Denmark Alla: 1-1

OPINION

HOW TO WIN THE EUROS

Most of the 1992 squad were on the beach when they found out they’d requalified, so why not replicate the process Pure and simple, Denmark can win Euro 2020, and no, I’m not talking about the homeless version.

Just as long as Kasper Hjulmand follows this tried and trusted formula for success, this tournament is his to lose – piece of kage.

Don’t try too hard First off, they should have scrapped the friendlies with Germany and Bosnia & Herzegovina. Play too many games and you’re going to peak too early.

International tournaments aren’t what they used to be where a team could play badly for three games and then turn it on in the knockout stage. Now a team’s got to play badly right up until the semis.

Take France in the 1998 World Cup. Not including extra time, from their last group game until the semis, they went 261 minutes without scoring a goal. Now that’s a team with their eye on the bigger prize; there’s no point wasting them when you don’t need them.

Drink, womanise, gamble

8

EURO 2020

So forget training, this Danish team needs to relax. Hjulmand should send them all on holiday under strict instructions to drink and eat to excess. Somewhere hot.

No scrap that: somewhere depraved – that’s where footballers come into their element. Give them binge drinking, easy women and reckless gambling, and they’ll pay you back on the pitch. After all, it’s underestimated the good that roastings do for teamwork and overall morale. With that in mind, is it too late to book the whole squad into Paradise Hotel?

Sure they might start a bit slow, but think about what it’s going to do for their selfconfidence when they get their fitness back in time for the knockout stage.

Weak opponents Let’s face it: home advantage is everything, and playing at Parken will be like getting a one-goal start. That will count for little against Belgium, as they’re still likely to score three or four, but against Finland and Russia, Denmark should emerge as comfortable winners.

The Danish second string could beat Finland in their opener, but here’s a better idea: why not play the second string against Belgium to leave the first eleven for the decisive game against Russia?

PHOTO: PRESS ASSOCIATION

BY BEN HAMILTON

Not quite Malta It’s true Denmark have had kinder draws though. To reach the semi-finals of the 1964 European Championship they only needed to beat three teams, two of which, Malta and Albania, were ranked in the bottom ten in the world, while the other, Luxembourg, who they met in the quarterfinals (!), were not far off.

And they’ve had luckier ones. While the year 1992 will be forever remembered by millions of eastern Europeans as their first in a free country following years of oppression under the control of the Soviet Union, in Denmark it’s remembered for a football match.

Winning formula Their win in that football match saw them win a tournament they had already been technically knocked out of. It was a tournament they didn’t prepare for, and one they turned up to with Lanzarote tans and Carlsberg Black Gold beer bellies.

And sure, they played badly at first, but when the other teams started to tire, they got stronger, peaking at exactly the right time.

So Hjulmand, there’s your winning formula. Fortune favours the brave.

BEST BARS

DGI-BYEN BUILDS ‘DENMARK’S BIGGEST SPORTS BAR’ FOR EURO 2020

BY LENA HUNTER

When the European Championship kicks off this Friday in Rome, it will be Copenhagen’s first tournament as one of the 11 host cities.

But don’t despair if you missed out on tickets – there are a wealth of spots around the city to soak up the Euros (see pages 12-13).

If you prefer an outdoor option, Official UEFA EURO 2020 Fan Villages are being set up at Ofelia Plads and DGI-Byen, where fans can catch all 51 matches on big screens.

With space for 1,200 fans, Øksnehallen’s packed program of talks, performances, street food stalls and bars are set to be some of the liveliest spots outside Parken to join the action.

Denmark’s largest sports bar “Our mission is to create Denmark’s largest outdoor sports bar right in the middle of Kødbyen,” said Kevin Helsinghof, the commercial director of DGI-Byen and Øksnehallen.

What might that look like? Set in a 3,000 sqm square and with two-weeks of near-

“Øksnehallen will offer a ticket scheme for the 1,200 fans that the space can accommodate,” said Lene Kryger, the head of EURO 2020 events in the city.

Tickets are free but limited to four per purchase, and screens open two hours before kick-off. Be quick, as they went on sale on Tuesday and the Denmark games sold out fast.

Why DGI? Some 50 metres from Central Station, DGIByen is at the nucleus of Copenhagen. It’s already a sports hotspot with badminton courts, sports halls, a gym, the iconic donut-shaped swimming pool and a 16lane bowling alley.

With its huge exhibition and conference spaces, DGI is no stranger to large gatherings - but the ambitious Fan Village events are treading new ground in postpandemic socialising.

“The events at Ofelia Plads and Øksnehallen will be part of a test scheme for future major events,” said Ulrich Ammundsen, the Host City Manager.

Nationwide team spirit “This is not just Copenhagen hosting, this

PHOTO: DGI BYEN

Parken stadium in Østerbro will host four matches: Denmark’s three group games against Finland, Belgium and Russia, along with a last-16 match.

tropical weather forecast for Copenhagen, you can expect a festival atmosphere where football is paramount.

is the entire country – from the capital to the grassroots clubs in the furthest points of Denmark,” said Jesper Møller, the president of DBU. Perhaps Denmark’s most unifying European Championship moment was when Kim Vilfort scored Denmark’s second goal in the 1992 final win against Germany in Sweden.

“It’s one thing to win the European Championship, but another is to come back to Copenhagen after the victory and see how people were united around this one thing,” said Vilfort.

That shared excitement and solidarity is what it’s all about. Whether you’re a diehard fan or just in it for the camaraderie, the summer football calendar is an historic sporting program not to be missed.

Special exhibition until January 2, 2022

Kronprinsessegade 30 Copenhagen, Denmark davidmus.dk

2020 EURO CUP GROUP A

GROUP B

GROUP C

11 JUNE, 21:00, ROME

12 JUNE, 18:00, COPENHAGEN

13 JUNE, 18:00, BUCHAREST

TURKEY

ITALY

VS 12 JUNE, 15:00, BAKU

WALES

VS

VS

SWITZERLAND SWITZERLAND

20 JUNE,18:00, BAKU

SWITZERLAND

20 JUNE, 18:00, ROME

ITALY

FINLAND

RUSSIA

VS

DENMARK

BELGIUM

VS

RUSSIA

VS

DENMARK

FINLAND

BELGIUM

VS

N. MACEDONIA

VS

UKRAINE

17 JUNE, 15:00, BUCHAREST

UKRAINE

VS

N. MACEDONIA

17 JUNE, 21:00, AMSTERDAM

NETHERLANDS

VS

AUSTRIA

21 JUNE, 18:00, AMSTERDAM

N. MACEDONIA

VS

NETHERLANDS

21 JUNE, 18:00, BUCHAREST

UKRAINE

VS

AUSTRIA

GROUP D

GROUP E

GROUP F

13 JUNE, 15:00, LONDON

14 JUNE, 18:00, ST PETERSBURG

15 JUNE, 18:00, BUDAPEST

ENGLAND

VS

CROATIA

POLAND

14 JUNE, 15:00, GLASGOW

SCOTLAND

VS

CZECH REP

18 JUNE, 18:00, GLASGOW

CROATIA

VS

CZECH REP

VS

SCOTLAND

22 JUNE, 21:00, GLASGOW

CROATIA

VS

SCOTLAND

22 JUNE, 21:00, LONDON

CZECH REP

VS

ENGLAND

1992 EURO 2020

VS

SLOVAKIA

HUNGARY

14 JUNE, 21:00, SEVILLE

SPAIN

VS

SWEDEN

VS

SWEDEN

FRANCE

VS

SLOVAKIA

HUNGARY

VS

PORTUGAL

VS

1996

GERMANY

VS

FRANCE

VS

GERMANY

23 JUNE, 21:00, BUDAPEST

SPAIN

PORTUGAL

23 JUNE, 18:00, ST PETERSBURG

SWEDEN

VS

19 JUNE, 18:00, MUNICH

POLAND

23 JUNE, 18:00, SEVILLE

SLOVAKIA

PORTUGAL

19 JUNE, 15:00, BUDAPEST

19 JUNE, 21:00, SEVILLE

SPAIN

VS

15 JUNE, 21:00, MUNICH

18 JUNE, 15:00, ST PETERSBURG

18 JUNE, 21:00, LONDON

ENGLAND

10

NETHERLANDS

21 JUNE, 21:00, ST PETERSBURG

WALES

VS

RUSSIA

VS

21 JUNE, 21:00, COPENHAGEN

TURKEY

VS

BELGIUM

VS

13 JUNE, 21:00, AMSTERDAM

17 JUNE, 18:00, COPENHAGEN

WALES

VS

AUSTRIA

16 JUNE, 15:00, ST PETERSBURG

16 JUNE, 21:00, ROME

ITALY

FINLAND

VS

12 JUNE, 21:00, ST PETERSBURG

16 JUNE, 18:00, BAKU

TURKEY

DENMARK

VS

FRANCE

23 JUNE, 21:00, MUNICH

POLAND

GERMANY

2000

VS

HUNGARY

2004

P WALLCHART LAST 16

GAME 1, 26 JUNE, 18:00, AMSTERDAM

A2

GAME 5, 28 JUNE, 18:00, COPENHAGEN

B2

VS

D2

VS

GAME 2, 26 JUNE, 21:00, LONDON

A1

GAME 6, 28 JUNE, 21:00, BUCHAREST

C2

VS

F1

VS

GAME 3, 27 JUNE, 18:00, BUDAPEST

C1

D1

VS

GAME 4, 27 JUNE, 21:00, SEVILLE

B1

F2

GAME 8, 29 JUNE, 21:00, GLASGOW

A3/D3/E3/F3

VS

A3/B3/C3

GAME 7, 29 JUNE, 18:00, LONDON

D3/E3/F3

VS

E2

E1

VS

A3/B3/C3/D3

QUARTER-FINALS QF1, 2 JULY, 22:00, ST PETERSBURG

WINNER 6

VS

QF2, 2 JULY, 21:00, MUNICH

WINNER 5

WINNER 4

WINNER 1

WINNER 8

VS

QF3, 3 JULY, 18:00, BAKU

WINNER 3

VS

WINNER 2

QF4, 3 JULY, 21:00, ROME VS

WINNER 7

SEMI-FINALS SF1, 6 JULY, 21:00, LONDON

WINNER QF2

VS

SF2, 7 JULY, 21:00, LONDON

WINNER QF1

WINNER QF4

VS

WINNER QF3

FINAL 11 JULY, 21:00, LONDON

WINNER SF1

VS

WINNER SF2

2020 2008

2012

2016 EURO 2020

11

BEST BARS

BRIAN MCKENNA

SO MANY BARS, SO MANY TEAMS …

AND ALL THOSE BROKEN DREAMS

BY BEN HAMILTON Unveiling the best bars in Copenhagen to watch Euro 2020 Hard to know where to start: how about at the very beginning? Oh, how very ‘Sound of Music’ of you! Austria are in it, after all, but they never seem to win anything bar Eurovision when they enter women with beards. Good time in the late 1930s, mind you, but we know what happened to them.

On my first ever day at the Copenhagen Post, or at least not as a poorly paid freelancer, I started planning the week ahead’s In & Out guide – an entertainment listings section that accounted for half the paper from 1998 to 2014.

‘The best bars to watch 2008’ was the feature idea - apparently it had never been done before. And 13 years on, while it has its moments, it’s embarrassing to look at the layout as a whole.

The front cover photo of some Dutch fans watching a game in what looks like a Mallorca carpark is horribly pixelated, while gawd knows why an image of Frank Rijkaard spitting on Rudi Voller’s mullet during the 1990 World Cup was chosen to illustrate the feature.

Only The Globe remains Of course, nearly all the bars mentioned in the piece have gone out of business. Only The Globe, where the Dutch society were rooting for their team 13 years ago and will be returning next week, has survived.

The Italians back then, superstitiously following their 2006 World Cup win, favoured Cafe Sporten in Frederiksberg,

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EURO 2020

which rather bizarrely was a Thai restaurant, while the French choice, Figaro restaurant in Østerbro, has also long gone under.

And rereading my own pieces in the issue reminds me that somebody stole my bicycle in early June 2008, that I used to love my work – the articles are crammed with interviews – and that I wasn’t half as witty as I thought I was at the tender age of 35.

Read on, we hope, for a selection of the best bars to watch Euro 2020 … in June 2021.

Bigging it up for Belgium Bar 1420, Griffenfeldsgade 20, Cph N; @1420bar It wasn’t that long ago that Belgium were the forgotten giants of the European game. Following their fourth-placed finish at the 1986 World Cup, they wouldn’t make the quarters again until 2014, a welcome revival after back-to-back fourth-placed finishes in qualifying for 2006 and 10.

And had they not co-hosted Euro 2000, where their performance was a tad embarrassing given their home advantage, their appearance at the tournament last time around would have been their first since 1984, which came four years after they finished runners-up.

Dennis Vansant, the Belgian co-owner of Bar 1420, is buoyant about his nation’s chances this year. On paper, they clearly have the most talent, and their biggest challenge is finding the right formation for the likes of Kevin De Bruyne from Manchester City, Eden Hazard from Real

Madrid and Romelu Lukaku (putting him up front tends to work).

Bar 1420, famous for its TV series quizzes and standup comedy nights (Dennis presents and performs whenever he can), is not normally buzzing on Champions League nights, but for this, it could not ignore Belgium’s amazing credentials.

“We’re going all the way this time”, promises Dennis. “With each major tournament, our fantastic team gains more and more experience and becomes more resistant to the pressure of performing at the absolute top level. We might have been outsmarted at the World Cup, but we’re taking home the Euros. And when we do, we’ll be drinking the way only the Belgians know how. Be prepared, Denmark. Things are going to get a little silly.”

BEST BARS plenty of places to sit in the sun, but the charming side-street Andebakkesti where Frederiksberg Have awaits you at the end.

Before that, make sure you drop in at Bon Bon Is, the capital’s number one ice cream shop. The Italian influence on their every evolving line-up … well, it’s like Claudio Ranieri at Leicester City all over again.

Never write off Netherlands The Globe, Nørregade 43-45, Cph K The Globe has been known to serve up Dutch delicacies such as bitterballen along with matchday deals on Grolsch.

Support Scotland The Scottish Pub, Rådhuspladsen 16, Cph K It’s not well known for drawing in expats, but shouldn’t this be the exception!

Scotland have been in the international wilderness since the 1998 World Cup! Ebullient for England Storm Inn Stormgade 20, Cph V; @stormgade20 Storm Inn landlord Adam Tobin’s beer pipes are so clean, they can play ‘God save the queen’, but winning Euro 2020 would be another story: anyone for ‘Land of Hope and Glory’?

It’s been a long time since people have been tipping the Three Lions to win a tournament - despite their run to the semifinals of the last World Cup, Euro 2004 was arguably the last time they were serious title contenders.

But now, with formidable attacking players such as Harry Kane, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish, along with surprise package teenagers Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham, they will scare the living daylights out of any defence on their day, providing their manager Gareth Southgate gives them the licence to thrill.

With its cask ale selections, and tasty hot pies, the Storm Inn is one of the only genuine English boozers in Copenhagen, so where better to sing a few verses of ‘Football’s Coming Home’ and ‘Vindaloo’.

“England will win this tournament” promises Adam the landlord. “Or not.

Either way, we’re drinking!”

Dedicated to Denmark Kennedy’s Irish Bar Gammel Kongevej 23, Cph V Ireland won’t be featuring at the Euros this time around, and neither are Northern Ireland - a shame as both made it through to the final 16 of the last tournament, where the Republic gave the hosts France a mighty big scare.

In fact, Ireland beat Italy in their final group game to advance - their second major tournament scalp of the Azzurri in recent times - and there’s no doubt they could teach England a thing or two about taking

on the big boys.

But in the absence of the Green Army, the nation’s most quintessentially Irish pub is throwing its good vibes behind Denmark.

Entering Kennedy’s on Gammel Kongevej, just a stone’s throw from the famous City Lakes, is like returning to the ‘Old Country’. Its charming rustic interior has several inviting corners to snuggle up in, and besides showing football on multiple screens, it’s well known for its regular jam sessions, monthly pub quizzes and basement pool area.

“We’ve got to be backing Denmark, haven’t we,” enthuses Tony Kennedy, the co-owner of the bar, who presumably won a toss of the coin when him and partner Tim Tynan named the joint 20 odd years ago. “After all, half of our customers are Danes: and we’ve got to keep our locals happy!”

Czeching out the champs?

Cafe Svejk Smallegade 31, Frederiksberg; @cafesvejk “I fucking hate football,” confides Cafe Svejk manager Paul McNamara, which is kind in keeping with a bar that backs the Czech Republic.

Let’s just say that they’ve garnered quite a reputation for keeping it tight at the back over the years. At both the 1962 World Cup and Euro 1996, where they made the final, they only scored more than one goal in one of their six knockout matches.

It has to be said, though: they’re one of the dark horses at Euro 2020. Both overconfident England and ageing Croatian need to be wary of their unshowy work ethic, and in West Ham midfielder Tomáš Souček they have one of the top midfielders in the English Premier League.

Still, there’s more to Svejk than the bar.

Step outside and you’re not only find

Welly for Wales Charlie’s Scott, Skindergade 43, Cph K Charlie, yes, he’s a real bloke, is known to be friendly to the Welsh contingent on the rare occasion they qualify for major tournaments. Don’t laugh as they made the semis in 2016 … their first major for 58 years.

For France!

L’Education Nationale, Larsbjørnsstræde 12, Cph K This laid-back Parisian café in the Pisserenden district is a bit pokey, but it’s where you want to be if Les Bleus make the final again, which they are developing into an annoying habit of late. The cafe unfurls the tricoleur and swaps Bourgogne for Kronenbourg when the football’s on, and don’t turn down an opportunity to try their food.

Pepe talking Portugal Falang Asiateria, (formerly Det Gule Hus), Istedgade 48, Cph V The Portuguese diaspora have been congregating at Istedgade 48 to watch national games for decades. At one point, this place was called Restaurant Skank.

Hurrah for Hungary Kompasset Ølbar, Østerbrogade 103, Cph Ø Fantastic craft beers and friendly vibes await at this bar where proud Hungarian owner Balázs will be doing his best to evoke the spirit of 1953 from the poster documenting the night the Mighty Magyars thrashed England at Wembley.

Go Germany!

Berlin Bar, Gammelkongevej 147, Frederiksberg With 140 bottled German beers and 13 on tap, the owners are passionate in equal measures about their German football and beer.

Resolute for Russia Gorki Café Bar, Nansensgade 26, Cph K The name says it all. Probably a good place to support Ukraine too.

HISTORY

HOW TO SKIN A BEAR

Denmark’s final group fixture against Russia on June 21 will very probably make or break their Euro 2020 campaign. However, it is arguably not their biggest contest against the nation.

Their clash against the Soviets on Constitution Day in 1985 is remembered as one of the most important in the country’s football history It’s hard to remember Denmark having an easier group at a major tournament.

At their last Euros, they landed Germany, Netherlands and Portugal, so it was high time the football gods served them up a treat or two.

And while Russia and Finland very much fit that billing, ultimately it’s the home advantage that makes Denmark overwhelmingly likely to advance to the final 16.

Still, anything can happen in such tournaments – just ask the Dutch in 2012 … when Denmark sprang one of the biggest upsets in the tournament’s history - so the home team won’t be taking any opponent likely.

Particularly as the nation will recall an equally important game again Russia (the Soviets back then) in 1985 when the underdog status was very much held by the Danes.

Politics parked Most Danish football fans probably remember the fairy-tale triumph at Euro 92, the Danish Dynamite team of the 1986 World Cup, or even strong runs at the 1998 and 2002 World Cups. Proper old-schoolers might even remember the silver medal at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome.

But in Denmark, one day stands out above

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most others: 5 June 1985.

Aside from being a fantastic summer’s day, it was also Constitution Day – a day that has long been rooted in political rallies, speeches and manifesto unveilings.

Something special was afoot. People could sniff it in the air, like a bloodhound on the chase. Denmark’s football team was closing in on a remarkable culmination and no speech in the world was going to measure up to it.

Sepp Piontek had been hired as coach in 1979 and the German immediately realised there was too much ‘hygge’ in Danish football. He brought Teutonic discipline and professionalism to the table. And results.

The Danes were a penalty shootout from reaching the final of Euro 1984 and with the likes of Preben Elkjær, a young Michael Laudrup, Søren Lerby, Frank Arnesen, Jesper Olsen, Morten Olsen and Klaus Berggreen, the country knew it had the quality to qualify for its first ever World Cup in Mexico ‘86.

A bear of an opponent They just needed to finish in the top two in their qualification group to make it, and a win against mighty Soviet Union would put them well on their way.

But the Soviets were no joke. They were among the very best sides, anchored by arguably the best keeper in the world at the time, Rinat Dasayev. Three years later they would reach the Euro 88 final and the Danes knew well that they had never beaten the Soviets before.

And there were other concerns as well.

PHOTO: HUMMEL

BY CHRISTIAN WENANDE

Serious concerns. Just one week before, 39 football fans were crushed to death in the Heysel Disaster and security organisers for the game were understandably wary of a similar situation taking place at the 75-year-old Idrætsparken Stadium – packed with over 45,000 raucous fans.

The main stand was numerically organised, but the rest of the stadium was ‘old school’ standing only, and as the game drew near and the fans began to pile in, security at the stadium deemed that something going wrong was a real possibility. Nevertheless, the party in the stands was unstoppable.

“I entered Idrætsparken several hours before and walked around the stadium to soak in that atmosphere. It was a magical day. It was as if everyone already knew something was about to happen,” Carsten Werge, then a budding journalist, said on the DR documentary ‘24 hours we’ll never forget’.

Intense introduction From the off the Danes burst forward, jumping into tackles, battling tooth and nail.

The fans demanded it. Sepp did too. And they were not about to fail to deliver.

But then again, neither were the Soviets, and Ole Qvist was forced to palm away a cracking effort early on before Yuri Gavrilov blasted one onto the post from distance. No, the Soviets were not about to capitulate. They rarely, if ever, did in those days.

Perhaps that’s what made the game so special. Both teams were determined to win. Both drove forward unrelentingly.

But the Danes were inching closer. Jens Jørn Bertelsen flashed a shot wide when he should

HISTORY have hit the target, and Dasayev tipped over a curler from Lerby. And then it happened.

Laudrup’s errant pass was deflected into the path of Elkjær, who wasted no time in firing past the Soviet keeper. As he raced to celebrate in front of the fans, the stands were rocking in pandemonium.

Preben who?

Years later, Tengiz Sulakvelidze, one of the defenders charged with curtailing the Danish attack that day, revealed that the Soviets were delighted when they saw the Danish line-up before the game and realised that Preben Larsen wasn’t on the team sheet.

“We saw that Larsen wasn’t among the 11 starters and the whole team was relieved,” he said. And rightly so.

At the time, Larsen was among the best attackers in the world having just led Serie A underdogs Hellas Verona to their first and only Scudetto – even managing a memorable goal against Juventus after losing his boot moments before smashing it in with his sock. He was also the runner-up to Michel Platini in the Ballon D’Or that year, after finishing third the year before.

But the Soviets were to rue their initial glee, for Larsen was not missing. What the Russians didn’t know was that in Denmark he was known as Preben Elkjær, and it was this name, and not his full name – Preben Elkjær Larsen – that was on the team sheet before the game.

Sulakvelidze said that the coach Eduard Malofeyev blamed him for the disaster afterwards, contending that he had been tasked with covering Larsen – even though he himself wasn’t aware that Larsen was Elkjær.

The fact that Sulakvelidze was Georgian played a role in him being Malofeyev’s scapegoat, contended the defender.

Whatever the reason, he wouldn’t play again for the Soviet Union until three years later. By then, Malofeyev was long gone.

By the time the Soviets had realised that Elkjær was indeed playing, and doing so exquisitely, he had doubled Denmark’s lead, juking past the hapless Sulakvelidze to slot home from an acute angle that legendary commentator Svend Gehrs famously called “a ridiculous angle to shoot from”. To be fair, Dasayev should have done better, but few present that day cared. Just 20 minutes in and the rout was on!

Michael’s magic Only it wasn’t. For the well-oiled Soviet machine was as unrelenting as it was skilful and its cogs began spinning in furious unison to avoid embarrassment. Dasayev may have acrobatically tipped over a Bergreen header to prevent a third for the Danes, but minutes later the Soviets were on the board with Oleg Protasov turning to hammer a long-range effort into the top corner. Amazing finish and ‘niet chance’ for Qvist.

The Soviets smelled blood now and were

unlucky when Sergey Gotsmanov first cracked one against the inside of the post before swerving a shot just wide minutes later. Only the referee’s whistle to halt the first half kept the Soviets at bay.

The second opened up in a back-andforth manner. Both teams went close, the Russians desperate to equalise and the Danes looking to stick the dagger in. But over a four-minute period on the hour, the 20-year-old mercurial Michael Laudrup would turn the red tide.

Receiving the ball as he arrived in the box he left a Soviet defender for dead thanks to a fake shot before sliding to kick the ball into the top corner. Minutes later Lerby won the ball in midfield and as the Russians tried to recover, Laudrup ran the ball the length of the half and placed the ball low inside the post just out of the reach of Dasayev. 4-1! It was over now, surely. Not quite.

“I still feel, and I know it sounds weird, but despite us leading 4-1, we didn’t feel that the game had been won yet. It sounds strange, but it just seemed too unreal that despite the immense pressure we were under, we kept running up and scoring goals. It’s almost like they were playing better, but we keep getting the goals” Berggreen said.

Football is not dead Berggreen was right to be wary. Three minutes later, as the crowd swayed from side to side in the classic ‘sailing up the stream’ celebration, the Soviets struck back as Protasov volleyed home from close range. It was almost 4-3 shortly afterwards as Berggreen cleared off the line in dramatic fashion.

“If they had scored to make it 4-3, there probably would have been a bit of panic in the final five minutes,” Busk said after the match.

But the Soviets didn’t.

The mighty bear had been slain and, as the final whistle sounded, the stadium erupted in euphoria. They weren’t there yet.

Not by a long shot.

But a big step had been taken towards Denmark qualifying for their first World Cup. And the Soviets?

They may have been beaten that day in Copenhagen, but it

takes two teams to produce a game of lore.

Legendary Swedish journalist Cars Stenfeldt even wrote to Swedish TV begging them to get the rights to broadcast the entire game.

“The party is over, the triumph complete.

And we who witnessed it humbly ask Swedish TV to buy the entire game.

All those who think football is through being entertaining deserve to watch this performance,” he wrote in Expressen newspaper afterwards.

The world takes notice Winger Per Frimann also remembers having immense respect for the Soviets, contending they had as much honour in creating such a magical football game as the Danes and their fans did. They may have been beaten that day in Copenhagen, but they were not defeated.

They eventually also qualified for Mexico where they would win their group ahead of France before being knocked out in extra time by eventual semi-finalists Belgium.

And who can forget that tournament. Not the Danes. Running past Scotland, thrashing Copa America champions Uruguay and even beating eventual finalists West Germany, the Danes played some of the most attractive football in Mexico. The Danish Dynamite was an explosion the entire world lapped up.

That is, until it all fizzled out against Spain in the last 16. But hey, that’s a whole different story.

HISTORY

ESCAPED VICTORY, IMMORTAL FOR AN ETERNITY

Who was the most famous football player of the pre-Danish Dynamite era? Some would say Alan Simonsen, the 1977 European Footballer of the Year, and others the Ajax legend Frank Arnesen, but what about Søren Lindsted? Who’s that? Why the obligatory Dane in the cult 1981 film ‘Escape to Victory’ of course “A remake?’’ Søren Lindsted frowned in bemusement. “Really?”

However, the expression of the former Danish professional footballer, who was his country’s sole representative in the ‘original’, the 1981 cult American film ‘Escape to Victory’, quickly changed when he heard the rumour had come from the Sun, the UK’s best-selling tabloid newspaper.

“And Vinnie Jones is behind it? That’s hilarious.” Lindsted stirred his cappuccino as he started to suggest contemporary celebrities who might star in the supposed remake of the Second World War football film about a team of prisoners-of-war pitted against a Nazi mean machine.

“You’d obviously need an American to take Sylvester Stallone’s place. How about Brad Pitt?” said Lindsted as he continued to list names.

“Oh, and Michael Caine should be replaced by that ‘Notting Hill’ guy. What’s his name?

Hugh Grant! And let’s throw Rhys Ifans in there too. Just for good measure.”

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Escapist’s fantasy eleven The names might sound ridiculous on paper, but then again, the casting of the original was just as haphazard.

minor role in the film, he saw plenty of action in the climatic match, including Pelé’s iconic bicycle kick to make the score 4-4.

Michael Caine was 48 when he was cast as an Arsenal centre back; Stallone had never played ‘soccer’ before; and half the first team of English top flight club Ipswich Town signed up on a whim when one of the film’s producers arrived at their ground and asked who was interested.

“That bicycle kick took forever,” he said, rolling his eyes.

They would join a host of stars past and present: Pelé, Ossie Ardilles, Bobby Moore, Mike Summerbee, Kazimariez Deyna and several others, including Lindsted of course, who played the part of Erik Ball.

Little did they know what they had let themselves in for.

“Those Ipswich footballers were crazy − they had so many parties and turned up on set hungover almost every day,” Lindsted recalled.

“I remember the first night I arrived I was invited to Summerbee and Moore’s hotel room where everyone was drinking.

Especially Kazimariez Deyna. He loved his vodka. It was only when their wives showed up that they started to behave themselves!”

Pelé’s bicycle kick Although the 64-year-old Lindsted, who was working at Copenhagen Airport when we caught up with him in 2013, had a

“We spent hours trying to get it to work. In the end we just had cut it into sequences and put it together in the editing room.

Pelé ended up having to just throw the ball up in the air and do the bicycle kick that way. Anything else would have been impossible.”

Promoted from bench Lindsted’s recruitment for the film was also a little unorthodox.

“It was all chance really,” he said.

“Someone in casting knew our coach at FC Twente, and the next thing you know, a bunch of us were asked if we wanted to be in a football film.”

The film’s producers had set out to find current or former professionals from each of the Nazi-occupied countries, but Lindsted was never their intended target to represent Denmark.

“I think Allan Simonsen was approached first,” Lindsted said. “As were others. But none of them could go. So I eventually got the call, which I was only happy to take.”

ALL PHOTOS: SØREN LINDSTED

BY BJARKE SMITH MEJER

HISTORY

Lindsted was then flown to Budapest, with his wife and Norwegian teammate Hallvar Thoresen, to play the role of ‘Erik Borge’ for four weeks.

Cocky Rocky “It was like a holiday: all we did was hang out and play football,” Lindsted said.

“I mean, a 20-second scene would take hours to set up. And we’d have kickabouts with Pelé and play small matches to kill time. Although Michael Caine and Sylvester Stallone never joined in.”

Stallone, despite being a staunch Everton fan, had never kicked a football in his life prior to filming. Nor did he understand the dynamics of the game. According to an interview with Ipswich player John Walk, the American wanted his character to score the winning goal at the end of the film − despite him being the goalkeeper.

“I suppose he was the big star given his recent success with ‘Rocky’ at the time,” Lindsted said.

He’d show up on set with three to four bodyguards and kept his distance most of the time. He even had a separate table where he ate with his entourage during lunch. If we ever ventured too close, we’d be asked to quickly move on. But then he

was the star. Everything revolved around him.”

Call it a Caine mutiny Caine could not play football either and spent most of the day smoking cigars between scenes.

“He was incredibly cool about everything: if he wasn’t on camera, he’d sit around smoking his cigars or enjoy a bit of banter with the boys,” Lindsted said.

“But he couldn’t kick a ball to save his life.

Not that it bothered him. He’d just watch from the sidelines, come on the pitch, say his lines, and then happily walk back to his cigar afterwards.”

Stallone was not as laid back. “He would always be very focused and intense on set,” Lindsted said.

“I remember how Stallone sat down with us once and told us a lengthy story about his experiences with a bunch of American wrestlers, whom he had befriended or something. Anyway, he played out the story like it was definitely nothing a sissy could handle. He went on about that for several hours.”

Close, but no actor Despite the presence of Hollywood’s

finest, they were not the only ones in the limelight as the participating footballers were also given lines to stake their claim in the film.

“I got three words to say,” Lindsted said.

“Not only did I get to shout ‘Yes!’, but there’s also a scene in which I say ‘Five seconds’ while eating a meal, which took an hour to get right!”

Lindsted was actually supposed to have more lines, but a short meeting with the casting director upon arrival quickly dashed any dreams Lindsted might have had of being an actor.

“You can imagine it didn’t go down very well,” he said with a smile. “But that’s okay.

I never wanted to be an actor anyway. It was just a great experience all round.”

Experience to savour It may be 40 years ago since ‘Escape to Victory’ was first released, but Lindsted seemed to remember every last detail of his experience.

“It’s not a great film, to be honest with you,” he admitted. “It’s not a groundbreaking story, and it was definitely the big names that made it popular. But I tell you, it was great fun.”

HISTORY

I SHOULD BE SO LUCKY

In Denmark’s imagination, there is no complication, they dream about a draw like this all the time Let’s face it: Denmark haven’t got the hardest draw in history.

Lucky tossers First off, all their group games are at Parken. One of them could have very easily been in St Petersburg, the other city co-hosting the group, but the toss went Copenhagen’s way.

And while Denmark will probably lose to Belgium, a team that completely dismantled them twice in the space of a few months last year in the Nations League after no previous meetings for more than 20 years, Russia and Finland are there for the taking.

Bears to be skinned Sure, Russia surprised many at the 2018 World Cup when they knocked out Spain in the last 16, only to lose to eventual finalists Croatia on penalties, but most teams would have been nervous playing Putin’s boys on home soil.

Their last five games before the recent friendlies included losses against Turkey, Slovakia and Serbia, who tanked them 5-0 in Belgrade after leading them 4-0 at halftime.

Fragility of Finland Meanwhile, Finland will be playing their first ever game in a major international tournament.

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Furthermore, up until their recent friendlies, they had gone four games without a win, shipping nine goals in the process.

Last eight beckons All this means Denmark are very likely to finish runners-up in their group, and this is where they get lucky: the opponents won’t be group winners but another secondplaced side: one of Wales, Switzerland or Turkey.

Skip that hurdle and the likely opponents are the Netherlands, which for the quarterfinals isn’t too bad given the recent form of the Dutch.

Up there with 11 others!

Given the easy potential passage ahead, we’ve decided to salute the teams who over the years have enjoyed the 11 luckiest cup draws ever.

So all together now: “You lucky, lucky bastards!”

11/ Denmark, 1964 European Championship semi-finalists Denmark became the luckiest European Championship winners ever after they replaced Yugoslavia at the 11th hour in 1992 and won a tournament they had already been technically knocked out of.

However, a glance at the archives reveals this was not their first brush with fortune in this competition. To reach the semifinals of the 1964 edition Denmark only needed to beat three teams, two of which,

Malta and Albania, were ranked in the bottom ten in the world, while the other, Luxembourg who they met in the quarterfinals (!), were not far off. Since then the tournament has sensibly taken on a groupbased format in which Malta, Albania and Luxembourg are still a major influence, but only on goal difference.

10/ Steaua Bucharest, 1986 European Cup winners Ironically this was one of the few results in Romanian football during the 1980s not fixed by the Ceausescus. In the absence of the banned English clubs that had won seven of the last nine finals, Steaua enjoyed one of the easiest paths to a final in European Cup history, dispatching the champions of four welterweight nations – Denmark, Hungary, Finland and Belgium – on their way. Fittingly for such an undeserved title, they won the final on penalties, beating Barcelona who (as we shall see later) have a habit of losing to lucky bastards.

9/ Millwall, FA Cup finalists Millwall used up a century’s worth of luck in making the final of the 2004 FA Cup, managing to get there without facing a single club from the top flight. Three Division One clubs, a Second Division side and a Conference outfit provided the opposition, but in the end the Lions from South London, with a young Tim Cahill in the side, had roared to the point they had no puff left and they lost 0-4 to Manchester United in one of the most onesided finals in history.

PHOTO: HUMMEL

BY BEN HAMILTON

HISTORY United. On their way to the final they only encountered one top flight club – Aston Villa at home in the quarter-finals – and then barely had to break sweat to beat Sunderland, who had finished a lowly 18th that season in the Second Division.

In hindsight, Reds haters took solace that it influenced Liverpool’s decision to retain Graeme Souness as manager. By the time he had gone two years later the damage was irreversible.

8/ Spain, 1992 Olympic Champions Given the unblemished record of the Olympic movement, the possibility of bias towards a host nation is a remote one, so any suggestion Spain were deliberately handed a favourable draw in 1992 is bordering on the absurd. After all, both Colombia and Egypt had been at the 1990 World Cup finals while Qatar are an oilrich state who could have bought half the Brazilian national side if they wanted to and still had change for Hristo Stoichov.

Alas none of them could prevent Spain’s utter domination of the group, scoring eight goals to nil, and eventual path to the goal medal past Italy, Ghana and Poland (wind assisted by red card decisions in the quarter and semi-finals).

7/ Uruguay, 1930 and 1950 World Cup winners When World Cup archivists remember Uruguay’s 1930 World Cup winning squad their preoccupation is more often with the number of limbs on show (one of their goal-scorers in the final, Castro, only had one upper arm) than the criminal ease with which they made it to the final, courtesy of group stage wins over Romania and Peru, and a 6-1 drubbing of Yugoslavia in the semi-finals. Then, amazingly, in the chaotic 1950 World Cup in Brazil (which had a bizarre final group stage instead of a final) they once again only had to play four games to win the title. Due to a few last minute withdrawals this time there was only one other team in their group, Bolivia who they beat 8-0, while most of their rivals were in groups of four. The WC organisers could have altered this as there was no geographical basis to their make-up, meaning that most of Uruguay’s opponents in the final group stage (other than Brazil of course) had already seen more of the country than most Amazonian nomads.

6/ Liverpool, 1992 FA Cup winners Liverpool’s victory in 1992 was a bitter blow for a generation of Reds haters who had only started that season to truly believe that two decades of dominance might be over. Liverpool had finished outside the top two in the First Division (in its final season before becoming the Premiership) for the first time since 1981, but were never troubled in the cup thanks to the early exits of D1 champions Leeds United, Arsenal and Manchester

5/ France, 1998 World Cup winners While form sides Argentina, Brazil and the Netherlands all found themselves in the top half of the draw for the last 16, France, following the sort of lightweight group (South Africa, Saudi Arabia and Denmark) that only the host nation ever seems to get, had a relatively smooth path ahead of them. On paper Italy might have looked like a tough test in the quarters, but they were ideal opponents given their reluctance to score. From the group stages to the semis France went 261 minutes of normal time without scoring but still never looked like losing to either Paraguay (ordinary), Italy (equally insipid) or Croatia (not as good as in Euro 1996). Had they faced tougher teams they probably would have failed.

4/ Colombia, 2001 Copa America winners Hosts Colombia finally broke their duck in the Copa America in 2001, beating Mexico in the first final of the biennial tournament since 1987 to feature neither Argentina nor Brazil. Argentina had withdrawn before the tournament kicked off after death threats were issued against their star players, while Brazil sent a severely weakened side in the hope they wouldn’t win and return as cargo. Colombia won the tournament, which was nearly cancelled after the vicepresident of Colombia’s football federation was kidnapped, without conceding a goal, beating Chile, Ecuador and Venezuela in the group stage, and then Peru, Honduras and Mexico in the knockout stage.

3/ Manchester United, 1990 FA Cup winners The cup run that saved Fergie’s bacon, gave Mark Robins and Lee Martin their 15 minutes of fame and spawned a dynasty, started with a tricky away encounter at Nottingham Forest on a blustery Sunday in January 1990. A narrow 1-0 victory was followed by wins over three Second

Division clubs and one Fourth Division outfit as United closed in on their first chance of silverware since Ferguson’s arrival in 1986. As against Oldham Athletic in the semis, United were second best against an Ian Wright-inspired Crystal Palace in the final, but destiny was clearly on their side and the rest is history.

2/ Manchester United, 1991 Cup Winners Cup winners Fergie’s luck held firm as the cup run continued. Italian clubs had completed a clean sweep of the three major European trophies in 1990 while England had not been represented in a European tournament since 1985. Surely a rusty Manchester United would be no match for defending champions Sampdoria or Italian Cup winners Juventus? Well, not if they avoided them in the draw. Wins over Hungarian minnows Pecsi Munkas and lowly Wrexham found United in the quarters with the Italian giants, Dynamo Kiev and Barcelona. United unsurprisingly avoided them all, beating Montpellier in the quarters and Legia Warsaw in the semis before a deserved win over Barcelona in the final.

1/ Germany, 2002 World Cup finalists Ahead of the 2002 World Cup finals most pundits were predicting a showpiece showdown between Brazil, Argentina or France and Spain, Italy or Portugal.

Germany, they reasoned, were a shadow of their former self and a distant fourth choice to make it ahead of the southern Europe trio. However, what they hadn’t counted on was the South Korean avalanche and good old German experience. It was as if Germany was watching from above, skiing through the powder snow waiting for the avalanche to run out of steam. South Korea knocked out Italy and Spain; Germany scraped past Paraguay and the USA – it hardly seems fair does it? Indeed, had South Korea not beaten Portugal in the group stages, Figo and co would have probably faced Germany in the quarters instead of the MLS eleven that did. By the time South Korea faced Germany it surprised few that the avalanche had stopped and vertigo had set in. It meant that the weakest German side in living memory had made it through to another world final on the back of three 1-0 wins over sides hopelessly out of their depth.

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