10 Most Shocking Underdog Victories In Football History

4. Denmark 2-0 Germany

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJ8MefDj5Uo 26/6/1992UEFA Euro Final, Ullevi In a piece of trivia loved by many a pub quiz aficionado, Denmark did not qualify for the 1992 European Championships. Rather, eleven days before the start of the tournament in Sweden, UN sanctions on Yugoslavia, who won Group 4 of the qualifiers banned them from appearing. Their place was taken by the Danish as the runner up, who would play their first game of the tournament just twelve days later. Denmark's chances were not helped when Michael Laudrup, star Barcelona midfielder decided to stay on holiday rather than meet up with the squad. Although they had a few star players, Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel and Michael's brother Brian included, Denmark were expected to be cannon fodder during the tournament. A 0-0 draw against England, followed by a 2-1 defeat to hosts Sweden and a surprise 2-1 victory over France gave Denmark a shock berth in the semi-finals, where they faced the Netherlands. The Netherlands had won Euro '88 and had topped a group featuring Germany, Scotland and the Commonwealth of Independent States (the Soviet Union had qualified, but had been dissolved in December 1991 so competed under the CIS name). In the game, Denmark twice took the lead through Henrik Larsen, eventually relying on Schmeichel's heroics as he saved van Basten's penalty in the shootout. Denmark were through to the final. Europe was shocked, a team which did not even qualify on merit had beaten the European Champions. Still, in the final they had to play Germany. Germany had won the European Championship more than any other nation and had a line up which included Effenberg, Brehme and Klinsmann. After a 3-2 victory over Sweden in the semi-final they had been placed as massive favourites over the plucky Danes, who simply could not do it again, right!? In the 18th minute, the ball was passed to John Jensen on the edge of the, who struck a ferocious strike to give Denmark a 1-0 lead. The Germans attacked, with attempt after attempt being saved by Schmeichel. The German pressure was unrelenting until the 78th minute, when Kim Vilfort took a touchpast two German defenders and placed the ball home. In less than a month Denmark went from non-qualifiers to champions of Euro 1992. Four years later the Germans beat the Czech Republic 2-1 at Euro 1996, the Danes were eliminated in the group stage.