""Serious sport has nothing to do with fair play. "" ""It is bound up with hatred, jealousy,   disregard of rules and sadistic pleasure in witnessing violence. "" ""In other words, it is war minus the shooting."" "George Orwell's quote from 1945 may apply elsewhere in the world,   but not in Denmark." "We uphold the saying:" "You win some, you lose some." "This Danish mantra sure applies in the seventies   where the Danish national team's result vary, to put it mildly." "Finals come and go without Danish participation." "As a keeper, I don't perform miracle saves." "I regard myself as a mediocre keeper." "Well done... oh!" "We crashed and burned." "What a blunder by Erik Lykke." "Homespun training exercises, incoherent play   and a serious lack of stability." "That sums up the Danish team." "Get back in the goal, Per Poulsen." "Economy is a major problem." "The Denmark manager, Kurt Nielsen,   is only employed part-time and so can't prepare for the matches." "Got any new ideas for this match, tactically and teamwise?" "No." "Tactically it's still about scoring goals,   so that's our aim." "As for new ideas..." "Kurt owns a small African-style bar." "Kurt used to manage the Gambian national team." "You hadn't reckoned on losing two games in two days." "Well, it was only 0-1, so..." "If we want to get ahead, we need more money." "Where from is not up to me." "The money does arrive." "In 1978, the Danish brewery Carlsberg gives   the Danish Football Association, DBU, a million-kroner sponsorship   on the condition that professional standards are set   and a professional manager is hired." ""For He's A Jolly Good Fellow" is played in honour of Kurt Nielsen." "He's been criticized lately   but he has tried to produce entertaining football   with the means available." "His successor is this man, just 38 years old." "I got by as a German in Denmark because of my background." "I was the national manager in Haiti under the dictator Baby Doc   son of Papa Doc who murdered 11,000 people." "He loved football and wanted a German manager and got me." ""Alemano bruto", the tough German." "Piontek showed no mercy and took our best keeper off the team   because Piontek wasn't satisfied with his attitude." "Danes don't like the word "discipline"." ""Nobody bosses us around." "We're no good anyway." I had to change that." "I've met Idi Amin from Uganda." "He was a former boxer and had a flat nose." "I met him in Saudi Arabia and he said: "Good discipline, good coach."" "I've met Ceausescu's son, the manager of Steaua Bucharest." "Saddam Hussein's son Uday Hussein." "Yes, I've met a few." "Carlsberg wants Denmark to make the World Championships in Spain." "Piontek vows to get Denmark to the championships." "But the fairy-tale soon turns into a tragedy." "A huge disappointment in part due to very bad luck." "The players don't go for Piontek's discipline talk." "We lost 2-1." "Bad luck." "The gathered reporters agreed   the team doesn't have the mental strength to win." "Danes just don't." "I think we deserved a point." "The only taste of Spain for Denmark this time   is "adíos España"." "Allegedly, Mr. Piontek doesn't have the necessary authority." "Please sit down." "Piontek's had enough when the team toasts their defeat in champagne." "I'd expected some kind of reflection on their part. "Why can't we win?"" "But there was nothing of that." "They still felt like amateurs." "So Piontek moves the training camp   to the dreary, barbed-wire fenced concrete fort "Idrættens Hus"." "That annoyed them." "They were used to five-star hotels   and now had to make do without TV and phone in the rooms." "They didn't have coins for the payphones and couldn't call home." "That didn't suit them at all." "But that was my way of telling them to shape up   if they wanted to play for the national side." "Piontek puts the workhorses up front." "Players not afraid of sacrificing themselves or getting hurt." "Piontek gets a final chance:" "Get Denmark to qualify for the Euro 84 in France." "Aren't you Sepp Piontek?" "I thought so." "I agreed to stay on and take a paycut." "Denmark ends up in the same qualifying group as England." "Denmark is losing the first game between the two   until a tiny dribbler shows them how it's done." "Jesper Olsen." "The last chance of the game?" "No, no, no!" "Only a brilliant move like that can dupe Peter Shilton." "I'm stunned, but I have to present our new star player:" "Jesper Olsen." "Here he outwits four defenders and Shilton." "Presenting Jesper Olsen." "Jesper Olsen is a cheeky dribbler." "Allan Simonsen!" "Allan snores something awful." "But I'm a heavy sleeper so I took him, much to the others' relief." "Brilliant, Preben Elkjær!" "Come on..." "Yes, Preben Elkjær!" "Elkjær... terrific!" "What kind of life would you like instead of football?" "I want nothing else." "Preben Elkjær again!" "Fantastic!" "What a preposterous angle to shoot from." "Preben Elkjær and Michael Laudrup..." "And he scores!" "Michael Laudrup!" "I think he's a football genius." "Laudrup is the quintessence of football magic." "I'll always be a fan of Laudrup." "I could say so much about Laudrup..." "He drags the Russians towards him." "Michael Laudrup!" "Allan Simonsen..." "And Laudrup." "Yes!" "Michael Laudrup!" "In the second game against England, the Danes fly to London   where they have to win in order to qualify for the championships." "Training is soon underway." "It's the first time for most of them in the world's most famous arena." "What's up, Preben?" "Did you hurt your foot?" " Did you twist your ankle?" " Yes." "Our worst fears are confirmed:" "Elkjær can't make the starting 11." "The first 20 minutes will be decisive for this match." "We must keep the English at bay." "The plan is to take the game to them   and keep them out of our penalty area." "This is going to tax the forwards." "No. 7, Ray Wilkins..." "They need to take control now." "Michael Laudrup is clear of the defenders." "Michael Laudrup..." "Oh no!" "Well, it's almost too much to ask after a mere 50 seconds." "We entered the pitch bluffing." "They knew we were good but we made us out to be even better." ""We've got the ball." "Come and take it."" "Allan Simonsen..." "Penalty!" "Phil Neal handled the ball." "Danish penalty after 36 minutes." "My thoughts were racing." "I remember thinking what an impact this could have on Danish football." "Yes!" "Denmark leads 1-0." "A forward on for a midfielder." "We're already a minute into injury time." "Terrific save." "Ole Kjær saves the game for us in the dying seconds." "Denmark is an international sensation!" "That was the international breakthrough for Danish football." "Both because of the result and the intelligent way we achieved it." "The impossible has happened:" "We're in the European Championships." "This is what I've tried to teach them. "We can win"." "I believe in God." "The Bible says that faith moves mountains." "I couldn't do it without help from above." "My generation grew up during the war." "We experienced its final stages." "We've carried a guilt complex around with us ever since." "Our fathers were the villains." "We're in the finals in France with the eight best teams in Europe." "Denmark." "Would a draw in the first match be satisfactory?" "If we could get the French to make it a draw, I'd settle for that." "An opening game in the finals is a dream that's finally come true." "Morten Olsen plays his 63rd international match." "Allan Simonsen plays his 48th match." "Young Michael Laudrup plays his 14th match." "Platini..." "Berggreen is on Platini like a shadow." "Michel Platini, the football idol." " Berggreen fouls Platini." " He's right behind Platini." "Foul." "Platini gets his revenge here." "Sepp and I have discussed Platini's style   and Sepp put me on him because I know him best." "Platini is at his most dangerous when he sneaks up from deep positions." "I've never tried to mark a man, but I think I did quite well." "Berggreen..." "Arnesen and Elkjær." "Okay, okay." "The under-21 national team manager Richard Møller Nielsen." "Allan Simonsen." "He's in a bad way." "The ball's been kicked into touch." "Is this the end for Allan Simonsen?" "He's a hard player to do without." "The crowd applauds him." "The French spectators know him and his reputation very well." "European Player of the Year in 1977   like the French favourite Platini last year." "Platini." "Don't give him too much space." "Platini heads it." "This is one of those instances when Platini is over the ball." "Ole Qvist!" "Platini heads it again." "Laudrup down the left." "Elkjær in the middle." "He shoots..." "Oh!" "Laudrup again..." "Oh!" "It was Berggreen." "It didn't look like a penalty." "He's not offside." "Giresse." "The crowd's been entertained during this second half, that's for sure." "That must get Amoros sent off." "He headbutted Jesper Olsen." "It's insane for such a terrific game to end like that." "Sure, Jesper Olsen commits a foul, right there..." "But look now." "This must get him suspended." "First, he throws the ball at Jesper..." "This is insane." "Hopefully, he will be suspended from the rest of the tournament." "He doesn't deserve to play." "Goodbye and good riddance." "The stars don't need a lot, and they're lucky." "He'd hardly touched the ball and then he got a lucky shot." "Platini scores." "What a blow for Ole Qvist, only 12 minutes from time." "The Danes are all over the shop and Platini gets his opportunity." "Søren Busk stumbles and is hit by the ball." "I feel sorry for you, boys." "What a great, disciplined effort." " You lost him just that once." " He touched it a mere three times." "When he finally shoots, it's a lousy shot that hits somebody's head." "And I got cheated out of a penalty." " It looks as if it's too late." " I was about to kick when I fell." " You don't stumble until later." " No." "Which camera is on all three os us?" "Is that it?" "Four, three... two, one, zero." "I'm here with two of the Danish key players." "Klaus Berggreen, if ever there was a fixed task, this was it." "You had to mark the best player in Europe." "It's also my most frustrating defeat." "Platini touches the ball three times." "His lousy shot on goal   takes a lucky deflection off Busk's head and dupes Qvist." "The team was shocked, but it also spurred them to think:" ""We have to make do without him." "For his sake we have to do well."" "We were in training when they said:" ""We want to do something for Allan Simonsen."" ""But we've already sent him 12 bottles of wine and flowers."" ""We have to train now." "We're in Paris, and he is back home."" "They wanted to sing for him on TV." ""But you can't sing." "Frank Arnesen is the only one who can sing."" "They were willing to make fools of themselves   to show Allan he was in our thoughts." "Allan you're our friend we think of you again and again this is a song for you" "hope to see you in Paris" "That proved to me they were a team." "They worried about their friend whose career, in reality, ended here." "Without their superstar, Allan Simonsen, the team shapes up." "The strong Yugoslavs whom we've never defeated   take a severe beating when we show them how football is played." "I'm overjoyed. 5-0!" "Denmark enjoys the fine summer weather." " Here you go, kiddo." " Thanks, Big Ole." "Puskás taught me something before you were born." "He stepped on it and tipped it." "It looks as if you pull it back when you tip it, to send it flying." " No." "I do it from the side." " Of course." "That goes without saying." " The hard part is getting under it." " I don't think about it." "We're looking forward to the final group game against Belgium   where several of our players play for club sides." "Friends and club mates are involved." "Five or six Anderlecht players are up against two others from Anderlecht." "They're up against club mates from Lokeren, Gent and Seraing." "We're in the unfamiliar situation   that a draw will get us into the semis." "Belgium, on the other hand, have to defeat us." "Jan Ceulemans fouls Elkjær." "Foul." "And they're club mates." "Vandereycken shoves him." "With friends like that!" "The Belgian players entered the pitch hoping to intimidate us." "Why doesn't he book him?" "That referee is going to be trouble." "Such intensity." "De Greef commits a foul." "Arnesen fouls no. 5, De Wolff." "Oh, no!" "He has to get a booking." "Morten Olsen shoves his club mate to the ground." "What an ugly foul against a club mate." "He knows Arnesen's been struggling to recover from two knee operations." "Vandereycken who fouls Arnesen is a great guy." "We all forgot we were club mates." "We played for our countries." "Now, my own reaction surprises me." "If I'd had a gun, I'd have shot him." "What a shame if it turns into a show of brute force." "Both teams are so much better than that." "Jens Jørn Bertelsen... and Elkjær!" "The referee waves it off." "Jean-Marie Pfaff's tackle is late enough to validate a penalty." "Ceulemans." "And the Belgians take the lead. 1-0." "Vercauteren..." "What a fine shot from Frank Vercauteren's left foot." "Belgium leads 2-0." "Look how he nets it." "Great goal." "All the worse for us." "Preben Elkjær." "Penalty!" "Even though it was a bit of a dive." "Yes!" "Arnesen's third goal in the tournament." "Kenneth Brylle here, the third Anderlecht player in the team." "This is his ninth international match." "Lerby... that was meant for Arnesen." "Vandenbergh is through on goal." "Well done, Ole Qvist!" "Ole Qvist is hailed as the tournament's best keeper so far." "Yes!" "Kenneth Brylle scores." "Terrific run by Arnesen and a great header by Kenneth Brylle." "Perfect header." "I bet Sepp Piontek told him to get in and score." "2-2." "If it stays like this, we're in the semifinals." "Elkjær could pass to Laudrup but he's offside now." "Elkjær keeps going..." "Over him and yes!" "Unbelievable!" "That man is fantastic." "He goes past two defenders, the world's best keeper approaches him..." "Well done, Preben!" "Let's see it again." "He goes past two defenders knowing Laudrup's offside." "The ball hits De Greef but he just keeps going." "Behind De Greef, and look, here comes Pfaff..." "Wham!" "We're in the semifinals, people." "Preben Elkjær is world-class." "He is unbelievable." "He hurt his thigh, and so what?" "And there's the whistle." "What a remarkable feat   performed by this team of unconquerable optimists." "They were behind 0-2 against one of the best teams in the world   but still came out on top." "Impressive." "Some things you can't deny the Danes." "Like a good laugh now and then, music on the way to the stadium." "We're digging in our toes we're Olsen's gang, we're winners there's no one we can't beat we've got our own secret plan we're one two three eleven men you'll never beat us we're the winners..." "People think football stars are rich." "How much did you make at 17 as a full-time pro in Amsterdam?" " The same as you." " I made the same as Søren." "We can't believe it's true." "We're up against a major player in the semifinals." "Yugoslavia, France and Belgium were some of the best teams." "So we took Spain in our stride." "Terrific!" "After six minutes, Lerby scores his first tournament goal." "Look at that." "The ball hits the crossbar, and here comes Lerby." "In our first European Championships ever we're one half from the final." "The worst thing that could happen is for Spain to score quickly." "He's offside..." "Well done, Ole Qvist!" "Well done, Ole Qvist!" "Great save by Qvist." "Great shot, and Ole Qvist did a great job." "Sarabia..." "A great opportunity for Santillana." "Luck was on our side there." "Gordillo... and Maceda!" "And Spain equalizes." "We've been under a lot of pressure." "Pass the ball..." "Oh no, offside." "No, the referee hasn't called it." "Frank Arnesen..." "He shoots..." "No!" "Lerby makes the run." "Let's go." "Can he score again?" "Keep going, Jesper Olsen." "Elkjær's there." "Let Laudrup dribble the ball." "He knows how to outwit Maceda." "Nice shot, Laudrup!" "Preben Elkjær..." "This must be it..." "No!" "Look at Elkjær's shorts." "Rather indicative of the Spanish methods." "There goes the whistle." "Now awaits the final act   of the Spanish-Danish drama." "Each team selects five players." "Now it's man to man." "I can guarantee you this is a war of nerves." "Alright!" "Easy as pie." "Arconada gambled. 1-0 to Denmark." "Ole almost got it." "Almost." "Michael Laudrup steps forward." "He's played his best game today, in my opinion." "His 17th international match." "His nerves got the better of this 20-year-old." "The referee says Arconada started too early." "Spain protests." "He takes a step, and here comes the ball." "It's marginal." "Amazing that the referee saw it but Arconada is booked." "Come on, Michael." "Yes!" "This is almost unbearable." "Right into the roof of the net. 3-3." "Again into the roof of the net." "We lead 4-3." "And 4-4." "I wasn't nervous at all." "I'd taken six penalties for my club that year and scored on all six   so I was sure I could do it." "Elkjær's wonderful shooting skills failed him." "There's no excuse for missing a penalty." "Someone has to kick and someone has to miss, or we'd still be there." "I've taken two penalties for the team and missed them both." "Pure routine." "We took comfort in the fact that never has our team played better." "We proved to the world there's more to Denmark than bacon and beer." "The Danish identity rests on the recognition   that Denmark is a small country." "We don't think we can hack it." "That's why we idolize mediocrity and our pettiness   and somehow turn our inferiority complex   into a megalomania based on mediocrity and pettiness." "Let's all be proud   of being Danish!" "Long live Denmark." "Everyone wants to be on the winning team." "Like the little ugly duckling we go red and white at once soaring like the white swans on the fields around the world" "Underwear for him and her." "Our enthusiastic supporters are a tremendous help." "Like the hero of the fable we clap our hats and greet you we are red" "we are white united we stand side by side" "For years Denmark's main export has been porn and cheese." "But since the arrival of the German manager Sepp Piontek   football is Denmark's main brand." "It was the orgasm of my life." "Until I became Minister of Culture sport reminded me of porn." "It's fun to take part but boring to watch." "One day someone wrote a question on a wall in Copenhagen." ""What if Jesus comes back?" The next day someone wrote:" ""We'll just move Elkjær out wide."" "Denmark?" "No. 5." "The Danish team brought their own pillows and duvets to Mexico." " Have you had difficulty sleeping?" " It's a big problem." "The Danes pull ahead." "They're agile and in great shape." "Goal!" "What is their secret?" "Their secret is the fresh Danish meat." "A little more of that and we'll do fine in Mexico." "The next group holds West Germany and Scotland, a tough group." "Ahead lies the ultimate challenge." "Denmark gets the pleasure." "The World Cup in Mexico." "Up at 8, breakfast at 8:30, and altitude training at 9:30." "Normal training at 10 and lunch at 1 pm." "From 2-4 pm, rest and massage, altitude training at 4:30   and then normal training until dinner at 7:30 pm." "From 8:30-11:30 rest and theory and then it's bedtime." "Will you be able to play your normal physically demanding game?" "Absolutely not." "This training camp is tough." "Your body gets no rest at all." "At home you can grab a beer   but I think I've had two here." "And I miss my girlfriend." "We train, eat and sleep." "There's no time to sunbathe much to the dismay of some." "It's more important to become world champions than tanned." "If this is a pro's life, it's pretty drab." "I'd rather stay at home." "Mexico is very different from Denmark." "Some of the players got ill and lost several pounds." "The world isn't all cakes and ale and Danes can be somewhat naive." "It's tough to see because no one is that bad off back home." "No one starves." "We've met a lot of single moms begging on the streets." " Seen much of Mexico?" " We've spent an hour in Querétaro." "Otherwise we've been at our heavily guarded hotel." " You don't get to see anything?" " No, we're here to play football." "Querétaro, the Danes' host town, feels the Danes' indifference." "Our German opponents cultivate the Mexican spectators   but the Danes haven't been in contact with the Mexican committee." "If the Scots beat you and you're out, that would be a bloody shame." "Elkjær..." "He goes past..." "Having defeated Scotland the team's second match is a challenge." "They're good on the ball and technically skilled..." "They're the South American champions, doesn't that say it all?" "They're two times world champions and South American champions." "They have one of South America's best players:" "Enzo Francescoli." "Who is the stronger team?" "In my opinion, Uruguay is the strongest team in the group." "Denmark kicks off the game." "A draw would be a wonderful result for Denmark." "Francescoli..." "The referee calls a penalty!" "Francescoli..." "He scores!" "Good tackle." "The Danes succeed in marking Francescoli   and the game takes an unexpected turn." "Great dribble, and Elkjær..." "Yes!" "Preben Elkjær!" "Excellent dribble by Laudrup." "And Lerby, yes!" "Lerby followed Elkjær who delivered a perfect cross." "Busk..." "Lerby passes to Laudrup." "Laudrup shoots..." "No, he waits." "Michael Laudrup!" "Brilliant!" "Michael Laudrup!" "That's one of the best goals in this entire tournament." "He plays like an old pro." "Laudrup is through on goal and scores." "Frank Arnesen is there." "Elkjær, Laudrup and Berggreen pull up." "Laudrup, Berggreen..." "Mølby!" "Shoot, Mølby!" "The Mexican spectators cheer "olé" each time." "Arnesen..." "Laudrup... he shoots." "Here comes Elkjær, yes!" "He outruns a devastated keeper!" "The great Swedish author P.O. Enquist comments on the game." ""They should dedicate a green field in heaven to Laudrup and Elkjær."" ""We, the spectators, will come to this heaven and cheer them   after this divine evening."" "Elkjær again..." "This time he passes to Jesper." "Yes, Jesper Olsen!" "Let's end this humiliation of Uruguay." "In trepidation we await the match against our old occupier, Germany,   whom we haven't defeated in 50 years." "The match presents an unfortunate paradox   since both teams are best off losing   as the winner is up against the hardest team in the last sixteen:" "Our nemesis from 84, Spain." "My football philosophy is:" "You play to win, not to lose." "Is this a match for Sepp Piontek against Frans Beckenbauer?" "I suppose so." "Sepp really wants to beat the Germans." "I asked him if he'd told the team to lose against Denmark. "Oh, no."" "He probably mocked Sepp for taking on the useless Danes back in the day." "Now he's created a world-class team, and he wants to show the Germans." "The Germans know both teams have qualified." "Even if it's a draw, Denmark can win the group." "Let's hope for a peaceful game." "Morten Olsen wants to speed things up and runs the length of the pitch   and is tackled in the penalty area." "Fantastic run by Morten Olsen." "Penalty for the Danes." "We'd agreed to have Jesper shoot and I shouted to him not to score   because we didn't need to win." ""Sure."" "Jesper Olsen versus Schumacher." "He nets it!" "He scores." "What to do?" "I took out Preben Elkjær, much to his dismay, and said:" ""1-0 is sufficient." "Let John Eriksen make his debut."" "Here comes John Eriksen, and he puts Denmark ahead 2-0!" "John Eriksen scores to 2-0." "What to do?" "For three matches, Denmark has maximum points: 6!" "It's easy to see when you're annoyed." "Your body language gives you away." "Denmark is my favourite." "Banners in Querétaro say Spain is the Danish Dynamite's next victim." "The Danish attacking style is a wonderful gift to the spectators,   a unique quality in this day and age." "The Danes are popular in Mexico." "Girls chase them and their autographs everywhere." "At least ten times a day this song is played on the radio in Querétaro." ""Gunnar Nununu" as the Spanish DJ's call him, with a Danish football hit." "The Mexican papers all cheer and praise the Danish team." "We're one of 16 teams left." "This is all or nothing." "It's incredible to be Danish in Mexico these days." "Everyone comes up to you and says Denmark will make the final." "Berggreen... and Laudrup!" "Berggreen, Elkjær..." "Good shot, Elkjær!" "Berggreen makes the run..." "Penalty!" "Berggreen reaches the area, and the tackle was too late." "Referee Keizer calls a penalty." "It's essential that he scores." "And he does!" "Denmark leads 1-0." "What a relief." "Three minutes left of the first half, Denmark leads 1-0." "He had no business there." "I don't know what he was doing there." "I could have done a hundred other things... and should have." "A left-winger has no business there." "Whoops, Jesper Nielsen kicks it too near the goal." "Butragueño scores." "Stupidity is punished." "It all fell apart after that." "They thought: "So we'll get a holiday." "We've done well."" "I said: "Some of you only get to take part in one World Cup."" "Sepp has to grab hold of us and tell us how important this match is." "But mentally we were already back home." "We were beginning to get homesick." "He'd made up his mind to say yes, but then he said no." "How do you feel about Sepp Piontek's resignation?" "Sepp Piontek quits inconveniently June 1st after 10½ years in Denmark." "Three months before the European qualifying rounds." "I've just got the telegram." "I refuse to believe it's as of now." "It's tragic." "Thursday night reporters called Sepp about his financial situation." "I won't stand for it." "I've worked in Denmark for 10½ years." "I've done my best and paid my dues." "We're back to square one." " Let's have a picture." " No way!" "Don't you know the Danes well enough to bear with them?" "Why should I stand for it?" "They're ridiculing my family, too." "Piontek looks forward to escaping the Danish "tall poppy syndrome"." "It's affected of him to turn an article, which he hasn't denied,   into a reason for deserting Danish football." "It looks like a lame excuse." "The Turks made me a terrific offer   and I could make more money due to the lenient Turkish tax laws." "Suddenly the papers write I have a postbox in Liechtenstein." "If they hadn't written that, I'd have extended my contract." "Germans do not like the word "traitor" because of WW2." "If I go from Kolding to Tønder, I can see up to 10 km ahead." "The roads are well-developed, so why do I have to drive 80 km/h?" "But here you have to drive 80, because people say so." "Envy." "DBU now faces the problem of finding a manager in record time." "I think Richard Møller is the obvious choice." "You've suggested Richard Møller." "Richard Møller Nielsen or "Ricardo" lives of and for football." "In his basement he keeps an index of all the European top players." "I definitely feel qualified." "I could do a good job." "Everyone's been guessing and quarrelling." "Finally we know:" "Richard Møller Nielsen is not the new manager." "The board of DBU has decided   to hire a manager from abroad." " Germans have served us well." " They chose a foreigner." "There's nothing wrong with Richard, but he lacks the international edge." "On a glorious sunny day, Denmark's new manager arrived from Düsseldorf." " Are Germans the only choice for us?" " It looks like it." "He doesn't know he got the job." "How long have you known you were the new Denmark manager?" "We've been negotiating for three weeks   but nothing's been settled yet." "I'm under contract until 1991." "It's not been settled yet, and that's why I'm here." "What problems remain?" "DBU had already called a conference to introduce the new manager." "So there he sat, rather lost, caught up in a whirlwind of questions." "Frits just introduced me as the new Denmark manager." "I'm not, yet." "Let me answer that." "Everything has been done by the book." "He doesn't seem convinced that he's the new manager." "That's another surprise, to present a manager who's not sure he is." "The President of Bayer Uerdingen knew nothing about the negotiations." "He doesn't understand DBU's methods." "Bayer Uerdingen's Danish player, Jan Bartram, says " " Uerdingen can claim four million kroner in damages." "Don't you think you have to pay damages for hiring Horst Wohlers?" "The Brian Laudrup case was a hard one to solve, but we did it." "I'm sure we'll solve this problem, too." "You think it won't cost you a thing to snatch him?" "Let's see the problem presented, before we discuss the solution." "The problem is right there." "I've informed Richard Møller about our decision." " How did he take it?" " Fine." "Richard is good chap." "A stout Funen beech won't lose a single leaf   just because a couple of pigs rub against it." "The Funen beech is still standing." "Welcome." "Various board members have made some fierce statements lately." "Hans Bjerg Petersen said his granny could match your results." "I won't comment on that as I don't know his granny's qualifications." "Richard Møller Nielsen has stated he won't work for DBU anymore." "So both Richard and Horst Wohlers are out of the picture." "Doesn't this resemble a circus show with DBU playing the clown?" "You could say that." " But you don't have a manager." " No, lots of people want that job." "Still, things get panicky and DBU have to grovel before the man   they'd turned their backs on." " Are you bitter?" " No, bitter is something you drink." "It went according to plan for my parents." "They had a boy first, and then a girl, so all was well." "But five years later I made my entrance as a fill-in." "I've been a manager for 27 years and drawn up all my own contracts." " Including the one today?" " More or less, yes." " Did your lawyer see it?" " No." "I've never had anything against being a fill-in." "Don't you fear having to fight your way out of Piontek's shadow?" "No, it's a bit like following a top comedian on stage." "I'm not a carbon copy." "I have my own ideas." "I know people make fun of the way I talk." "I try hard to talk standard Danish." "Some think you've copied Piontek's accent, but you're from Funen." "That's how we speak on Funen." "My, my." "Richard follows in a long line of incomprehensible managers." "MANAGER 1 ...on p-paper, KB champions should become." "But history shows us they're much stronger at home." "MANAGER 2" "I think we're too..." "I hope... we've paid attention to the private affairs   and best interests of Denmark." "MANAGER 3" "Five points would be a good starting point..." "MANAGER 4" "Being assistant manager is a little like kissing your own sister." "Richard revives old ballgames like "Piggy" and "Ib"." "In "Piggy" you have to keep the ball in the air." "Who ever drops the ball, gets a P, or an I   if they're playing the short version of the game "Ib"." "Who ever gets the least letters wins a soft drink." " How do you like "Piggy" and "Ib"?" " Don't make me laugh." "It was quite funny." "What the hell..." "It's one of the new things." "The question is whether we learn anything." "Richard's first challenge is to qualify for the Euro 92 in Sweden." "They've pulled one back!" "The Danes didn't even intervene." "Get a move on!" "They're still fast asleep, Henrik Larsen and Kent Nielsen." "Berti alone with Marc Rieper." "Morten Bruun doesn't clear it." "And Schmeichel..." "No!" "Goal to The Faroe Islands!" "After the fat years come the lean." " Do you see any development?" " Not really." "If Richard is to have a chance, he needs a well-respected assistant." "Søren Lerby is an obvious choice." "The stork who carried Frank Arnesen up here flew next to a parrot." "Frank talks a lot and it's not all pearls." "Our national team has deteriorated." "We'll never win anything." "The Danish strategy shocks me." "It's extremely unprofessional." "They should substitute more, some players don't give their all..." " Who?" " Brian Laudrup." "Look how he stops and even lets the ball pass through his legs." "Here he joins forces with his brother but brothers don't solve everything." "I didn't know where to place myself." " It wasn't Michael's day yesterday." " No, he leaves it up to his mates." "Michael Laudrup leaves the field." " You took both brothers out." " They looked tired." " Can't you play on your own terms?" " No, isn't that strange?" " I always let the manager decide." " But shouldn't you be in agreement?" "I don't know." "Michael wants you to use Jan Mølby." "Brian wants to talk tactics." "Do you mind players commenting on your dispositions?" "I'm not going to go into that here." "He wants other types of players." "I'm off the team as long as he's manager." "It's as if my generation isn't allowed to win anything on that team." "Flemming looks very angry and doesn't even glance at Richard." " I can't explain that substitution." " Think I can?" "If that's the way we have to play, I don't want to be in the team." "He's isolated now, and that's tough." "They hired him even though we all know not even DBU wanted him." "He's outlawed." "Are you a sissy who's afraid of being creative?" "I'm not going to let myself be affected by criticism like that." "It's not very intelligent, but then we're all limited by our abilities." "Manager Richard is under fire." "Got any advice for him?" "No, I don't think he'll listen." " Was it better in Piontek's day?" " Goodness, yes." " Are you playing against Iceland?" " No." "None of us are." "You never sing along when the camera pans across the team." " I don't always remember the lyrics." " Don't you know the national anthem?" "Nope." "To anyone who'll listen:" ""And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise."" "The defeat in the qualifier against Yugoslavia has grave consequences." "A bunch of lackadaisical players let themselves be humiliated." "Are you going to quit?" "You were criticized after Northern Ireland." "Now we've lost 0-2." "We need a new manager!" "A new manager!" "Michael Laudrup is through with the national team." "You've left the team." "In your opinion,   what needs to be done in order for the team to pull through?" "I honestly think all hope's lost." "Michael isn't able to roll up his sleeves and get back in the game." "He's gotten by on his incredible talent." "I don't have the energy to be a core player on two teams   and to keep fulfilling everyone's mad expectations." "I had to choose, and Barcelona played great football." "He'd lost the urge and that was in part Ricardo's fault." "They'd gather around the dinner table and none of the players said a word." "He thought that silence was awful." "Brian Laudrup leaves the team due to his dissatisfaction with the manager." "I've said I don't want to be in the team   unless they hire a new manager." "If DBU is to create a special set of rules for the Laudrup family,   because that is the issue, I'm sure it'll anger many people." "Football players should keep their mouths shut   because they're not smart." "They should concentrate on the game." "You've all had it with Richard Møller Nielsen   and the entire Danish team walks out on him." "The team walks out collectively except for most of the team." ""The Laudrup Sisters" get blamed for putting on airs." "People were sitting in their rooms and said: "We have to do something."" "So Michael and I stepped forward and said so   only the rest forgot to follow suit." " Is the media's view unintelligent?" " No." "I've told you and your colleague that I have no further comments for you." "When you stoop to that level and write that kind of trash, " " I just feel sorry for you." "I don't think you did it out of malice   just as I don't think a woman prostitutes herself out of desire." "They do it out of necessity, and so do you." "I believe and trust in God." "Yugoslavia wins the qualifying group for Euro 92." "Denmark, on the other hand, goes into football obscurity." "It's just been decided to let Denmark fill in for Yugoslavia in Euro 92." "FIFA has excluded Yugoslavia from all international activities." "The good Lord gave me two eyes." "That day one cried, and one smiled." "I welcome the sanctions   applied by the Security Council." "If Danish soldiers were on a killing spree south of the border " " I'd be ashamed to go to Sweden, be it as a player or a manager." "They could have treated us like gentlemen and spared us the trip." "When we, as an EC member, recognize Slovenia and Croatia   we assist in dissolving Yugoslavia." "DBU shouldn't go to Sweden." "We didn't qualify, and the money DBU stands to win, is blood money." "Some people think we're criminals if we participate." "The press have been on our backs, and suddenly we get the chance." "They make us out to be criminals." "My thoughts went to the Yugoslavs." "After 1 ½ years of voluntary absence Brian Laudrup is back in the team." "The day after the criminals gathered in training camp." "Most of us were gearing up for barbecue parties and red wine   when suddenly you're off to the championships." "You think: "Football?" "Oh, no!"" "Everyone else went to the beach, but I went jogging... for ice cream." "Dad's going to Euro 92." "The players strolled the 500 metres to the field." " I wasn't overjoyed at the news." " We're all chubby holiday boys." "They came to camp out of shape." "What did the manager expect?" "They were worse than expected." "A team of second-rate players and weirdos   crosses the Sound to take part in the European Championships." "Today we publish "the people's team"." "Think you're on it?" "No way!" "There are no stars." "Only waterboys." "No one gets any special attention." "Yes, some players do get special attention." "Laudrup... he scores!" "Brian Laudrup." "It's been hard to live up to my talented father and talented brother." "People expect me to be even better." "Brilliant dribble and goal by Brian Laudrup." "It's like seeing his brother Michael or even his father Finn Laudrup." "He'll be ready on Sunday." "Steven and Povlsen!" "Flemming Povlsen... beautiful!" "Flemming Povlsen sees the keeper is off his line   and volleys the rebound into the net." "The finals start." "Denmark does OKand draws with England." "But after the defeat against Sweden, the team seems to be finished." "Good morning." "Yesterday, a majority of voters voted against the European Union." "Before Denmark's match against France   their president hopes Denmark will leave the tournament unvictorious." "It would symbolize their no to the EU and encourage the French opponents." "Reasonably and physiologically and all that, it can't be done." ""Look, I think we've got the tools to clip France's wings and win,   and then we still have a chance of getting into the semifinals."" "Denmark hasn't scored yet." "Who's going to mark Jean-Pierre Papin?" "How is an unfit Danish team going to mark Papin?" "No one can." "Elected European Player of the Year and sold to Milan for 100 mill." "Kr." "If he scores three goals a match, I'm content." "Henrik Larsen..." "Yes!" "Henrik Larsen, after 20 minutes." "Lots of Danish fans didn't like Richard Møller's choice of Henrik,   but we tip our hats to them both." "They can't find each other." "The French have got big problems." "Papin elbows Christofte in the face." "There you see it." " It seemed pretty deliberate." " Hey, he thought he owned the game." "He hasn't shown his teeth yet but we can't afford to sit back." "What an ugly lunge by Cantona." "Look how he went in studs first on John Jensen." "Fernandez... and Peter Schmeichel." "The French are closing in." "Only one Frenchman outside the Danish penalty area." "Two men in the air..." "Great opportunity for Laurent Blanc." "Bad luck, but great for us." "Get rid of it, Sivebæk." "He blocks it." "Right now Denmark's in the semis, but there are 12 minutes left." "Papin isn't offside." "Jean-Pierre draws level." "He doesn't need a lot of room to score." "This is so undeserved." "The French don't deserve to qualify." "They've been so bad." "Denmark would be a better semifinalist." "They're on a roll now." "Cantona..." "Papin is on his way." "And Deschamps!" "Thank God, they couldn't agree on who was to shoot." "The French are putting on the heat." "Richard makes an unpopular call." "He substitutes our creative ace Brian Laudrup with Lars Elstrup." "I never look at who's good or bad, but who can strengthen the team." "Elstrup..." "Sivebæk." "Flemming Povlsen isn't offside." "Blast!" "But it's still alive..." "Yes!" "Lars Elstrup did it!" "Terrific. 2-1 to Denmark." "Great timing." "Now it's official:" "Denmark is in the Euro 92 semifinals   albeit our entry into the tournament was a bit unfortunate." "This is one of the greatest Danish football achievements." "We went to McDonald's one night." "Had a German player suggested that, he'd have been sent home." "If we'd lost against France, I'd have been branded a fool." "The word "pride" isn't part of my vocabulary." "My wife keeps admonishing me to stop telling everyone " " I only went to school every second day, because people can tell." "The players have evolved   into exactly the kind of types I want." "They like to have fun and pull each others' legs." "They like a beer or two." "Some of us players still need to earn the last big bucks." "When the papers write I'm washed up, it annoys me." "How do you play Holland?" "They want to control the game from the very start." "We have to deploy our best weapon which is the counter attack." "Does Denmark stand a chance?" "Sure, although everyone talks about Germany and Holland in the final." "It suits the Danes to be underdogs." "They have nothing to lose." "Gullit, Van Basten, Frank Rijkaard   are the Kohl, Mitterand and Major's of football." "Do you stand a chance?" "Look, last week I said they'd fight to the last   but this time they're going to fight till they drop for Denmark." "Europe is amazed to see Denmark in a European Championships semi." "Expectations are high on this big day in Danish football history." "The Danish holiday boys meet the Euro favourites." "Holland presents its strongest line-up." "No. 8, Frank Rijkaard, no. 9, Van Basten and no. 10, Ruud Gullit." "Brian Laudrup is not offside but Jan Wouters is on his tail." "Here comes Vilfort..." "Laudrup... takes on Koeman." " Good cross!" " Christ, there I go again and score." "Henrik Larsen!" "What a fabulous start." " I can't believe it's true." " It is." "Look at the scoreboard." "It was tough to fight mr." "Rijkaard." "I'm no match for him." "Rijkaard in the air with Henrik Larsen." "Bergkamp!" " It bounced under Peter's hand." " It hit the ground in front of him." "Bergkamp equalizes." "It's not always nice   when you're almost ready to commit murder to win a game." "But the people who possess that trait infect the rest of the team." "Flemming to Brian Laudrup and then Henrik Larsen!" " I couldn't believe it." " With his right foot." "This is insane!" "If they keep this up, they'll become European Champions." "It boosts their self-confidence." "Soon they'll be walking on water." "Flemming Povlsen..." "Hey!" "Right on the edge of the penalty area." "Brian Laudrup..." "I'm surprised that such an experienced player   has had problems handling the Danes." "Lars Olsen and Lars Elstrup..." "Henrik Andersen is hurt." "That doesn't look good." "He collided with Marco van Basten." "What a sad exit for the guy who's been the most uplifting of them all." "If we make the final, we'll miss Henrik." "He's been brilliant." "I'd never seen a knee cap break like that." "It was hard to carry on." "Denmark is out of substitutes." "They're throwing everyone into our penalty area   except Van Tiggelen and keeper Van Breukelen." "Oh no, say it isn't true." "Four minutes from the final but Frank Rijkaard ruined it for us." "Rijkaard again..." "Well done, Peter Schmeichel." "The Danes have got concrete legs." "Now what?" "Gullit..." "I have to stand up now." "I daren't turn back time, Preben, not with you here, to 1984." "Just be happy I'm up here." "Ronald Koeman from FC Barcelona." "Henrik Larsen with tired legs." "I've missed a few penalty shots so Sepp would never have let me kick." "He touched it with both hands." "Elstrup!" "Well done." "Yes, Vilfort." "Flemming Povlsen is next." "Van Breukelen, his old club mate, tries to psych him out." " Get lost, he says." " The referee should stop that." "This is absurd." "Flemming was ready to kick, and he calls them both over." "I knew he'd try to provoke me." "Not that he'd had his game on that night." "Let's pray for Flemming." " After the ball's in, he's helpless." " Alright, Flemming!" "Marco van Basten is usually steady as a rock for Milan." "Schmeichel takes it!" "Alright, Peter Schmeichel!" "Now it's all up to Kim Christofte." "I bet he feels the pressure." "There are 11 metres from the spot to Van Breukelen." "Kim Christofte." " He adjusts the ball." " Adding to the excitement." "I didn't have the nerve." "I was beat   and couldn't even muster up the strength to kick." "And the others are better than me." "John Jensen." "Alright, John Jensen." "Yes, John Jensen!" "Oh, no!" "John Jensen..." "Wide." "John Jensen..." "Good try." "I've trained and trained Faxe and he never hit anything." " You told Faxe to shoot, right?" " No, I told him to stay way back." "John Jensen..." "John Jensen shoots..." "Okay." "Second time running." "No, I hit the post again." "The Germans are a special sort." "They keep their distance." "Many people see German football as predictable and unimaginative." " Of course we'll beat the krauts!" " We'll eat them for breakfast." "How is Denmark going to win?" "The Germans are bigger and stronger." "But they underestimate the Danes." "The Germans don't deserve to win." "They've won so often." "The Germans occupied us during the war, so sure we want to beat them." "Welcome, Denmark." "Hysterical nationalism is taking joy   in the sight of 22 grown men chasing an inflated cow belly." "If that's how you feel, surf on." "This is Denmark's first final   whereas the Germans have tried it ten times in the past 37 years." "Our little nation of five million versus this giant of 78 million." "They've just as many football players as we have inhabitants." "It's almost as if the Danish team is on home ground." "Everyone is singing the Danish national anthem." "Cars have been hooting all day." "It's bigger than Mexico." "Stefan Reuter..." "Sammer." "Stefan Reuter gets the opportunity." "Well done, Peter Schmeichel." "Flemming Povlsen passes to Brian." "Larsen and Vilfort have made the run." "Flemming Povlsen and Vilfort..." "but also Bodo Illgner." "Get it." "John Jensen blocks it." "Klinsmann shoots..." "Well done, Peter!" "Fantastic save." "He's a world-class keeper." "Flemming Povlsen against Kohler, but he's a strong opponent." "Flemming continues." "Here comes John Jensen." "Yes!" "John Faxe Jensen!" " I hit it right in the arse." " The Crown Prince is cheering." "Let's keep our fingers crossed." "The Germans are going to give it their all." " Bertie Vogts always stands up." " Or else he can't see, the midget." "Klinsmann feints..." "Incredible!" "Schmeichel, thank you!" "The Germans never give up." "Thomas Doll." " Again Schmeichel goes out." " We're pressed, but we're scoring." "It must be frustrating to own the game, and still Denmark scores." "Schmeichel with one hand!" " It's ours." "Are you pessimistic?" " No, but I'm pissing my pants." "Kim Vilfort... and again." "Yes!" "This just can't be true, Preben." "Montgomery says the German forces have capitulated." "Denmark's greatest triumph is a fact." "Flemming cried and that made me want to cry, so I kept away from him." " Brian, have you talked to Michael?" " No, he's on holiday." " Looking forward to it?" " No." "We felt this great surge of gratitude towards everyone   because we did it." "The Lord had decorated the waysides with red poppies and white daisies." "Subtitles:" "Helle Schou Kristiansen SDI Media Denmark"