The European Championships in Sweden resulted in Graham Taylor reaching rock bottom. England struggled to qualify for Euro 92, it was only a last gasp Lineker equalizer against Poland that ensured qualification. England started off the tournament poorly, they were lucky to gain a point against a more efficient and organised Danish side. Their next opponents were France, Taylor fielded many inexperienced players, many of whom were playing out of position. New caps were awarded to players such as Keith Curle and Carlton Palmer. England drew the uneventful match against France 0-0 which prompted the fans to should out at the end of the game ’what a load of rubbish.’ England were deservedly eliminated against Sweden, a game which marked Gary Lineker’s last appearance for England. Yugoslavia were excluded from the finals in line with UN sanctions over human rights. Denmark replaced them at eleven days notice.
The usual European superpowers, Holland, Germany and France all came unstruck as the competition unfolded. Germany were lucky to reach the semi- finals. They struggled to beat Scotland, and the Scots then did them a huge favour by defeating CIS 3-0. France were as poor as England. Holland won their group convincingly, were Denmark’s opponents in the semi-finals. The Dutch came from behind on two occasions, however the score ending 2-2 meant the match was decided on penalties which Denmark came out on top of. Sweden were impressive against the Germans and won a classic encounter 3-2 to book their place in the final of Euro 92.
Nobody really gave Denmark a chance; however in the 18th minute of the final John Jensen surprised the German’s by taking the lead. Despite constant German pressure the Danes played efficiently and defensive. Denmark counterattacked through out the match and on the 78th minute Kim Vilfort scored from a Christiansen header. Denmark beat the current world champions 2-0 and they were a nation now to be seriously reckoned with.
Other stars played well throughout the tournament, Jurgen klinsmann of Germany was in fine form, Marco van Basten was at his best once again. The star of the tournament was Thomas Brolin of Sweden, with a great strike rate in the finals; he emerged out of the tournament as a world class player and featured in the world cup finals in America in 1994. Dennis Bergkamp, Henrik Larsson, Riedle and Thomas Brolin all emerged out of Euro 92 as the top goal scorers.