Football: Soccer-Underdog status suits our strengths, Denmark’s Vestergaard says

DORTMUND, Germany (Reuters) – Denmark will be the underdogs when they take on Euro 2024 hosts Germany in their last-16 game on Saturday, but that suits them just fine as they seek to channel the spirit of 1992, defender Jannik Vestergaard said.

Since the draw was confirmed, much has been said in Denmark about their unexpected win over Germany in the final of the European Championship more than three decades ago, when a side only brought in after war-torn Yugoslavia were disqualified managed to lift the trophy.

The Danish are far less of a surprise package at Euro 2024, having gone to the semi-finals in the last edition, and though they have struggled for goals in the group stage, they still fancy their chances of springing another upset.

Vestergaard said Germany’s status as clear favourites could even play into his side’s hands.

“A lot has been said about 1992, especially in Denmark,” he told reporters on Friday. “It’s part of growing up that you learn about that particular summer.

“I think the big story back then was that Denmark was quite an outsider, hadn’t even qualified for the tournament (but) we have.

“There’s no doubt that for anything special to happen it would have to be a bit of an upset. It’s a mentality that we embrace.

“We’d like to tease the favourites and obviously Germany will be strong favourites here in front of their home crowd. So I think taking that bit of grit, trying to be a little bit of a pain, playing to our strengths, that’s what we take from it.”

Denmark may have to take on Germany with a depleted midfield, and a late decision will need to be taken over the fitness of playmaker Christian Eriksen.

Coach Kasper Hjulmand said Eriksen had been suffering with stomach issues though he thought he would be fit to play.

But Thomas Delaney, a candidate to replace the suspended Morten Hjulmand in central midfield, has had the same problem and is less likely to be fit in time.

Coach Hjulmand again said Germany were one of the favourites to lift the trophy but nonetheless talked up his players’ chances.

“I said it before the tournament started that I consider Germany one of the favourites. Just too bad they are playing us tomorrow,” he said.

“The quality they have, the way they express themselves in the first couple of matches, the talent they have – but so do we.

“We also have a great team. So they have to be very, very good tomorrow to beat us.”

(Reporting by Sam Tobin; Editing by Hugh Lawson)