1992: Surprise in Sweden
Saturday, August 3, 2002
Article summary
In 1992 a united Germany was represented for the first time; the break-up of the USSR meant the CIS appeared; and the ongoing war in Yugoslavia led their football team to be expelled from the Finals, with Denmark replacing them.
Article body
In 1992 a united Germany was represented for the first time; the break-up of the USSR meant the CIS appeared; and the ongoing war in Yugoslavia led their football team to be expelled from the Finals, with Denmark replacing them.
Qualification surprises
From Group One, Denmark and hosts Sweden progressed at the expense of England and France, one of the pre-tournament favourites. In Group Two, the reigning champions Holland went through with reigning world champions Germany, with Scotland and the CIS missing out. In the first semi-final, Germany comfortably Sweden; the second semi-final was much closer. Denmark twice took the lead and the Netherlands twice equalised to put the game into extra time. Eventually the game went to penalties. Peter Schmeichel saved from Marco van Basten, of all people, and the late replacements went through.
Danish dynamite
The Danes were outstanding in the final against Germany and a goal in each half, by John Jensen and Kim Vilfort, were enough to give Denmark a well-deserved first title.
