Denmark is at its best when the rest of the world is behind it. They were "pulled" from the beach, or at least getting ready for their holidays, to act as a last-minute substitute for Yugoslavia at Euro 1992. And they won it all. Nearly thirty years later, they are at Euro 2020. They have overcome the trauma of Christian Eriksen's cardiac arrest to reach the final four. But their story is far from over.Denmark's 1992 late call-up made them Europe's favorite underdogs. Their semifinal match against England will be streamed LIVE at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday. ET, ESPN/ESPN+ (U.S.A) -- The semifinal match against England will be played at Wembley Stadium in front of a large partisan crowd. Eriksen's collapse on the field in their first game against Finland three weeks ago has left the neutrals with only one option.Fixtures and bracketThe bookmakers are clearly in favor of England, but it doesn't hurt to remind Denmark (6 million) that anything is possible when it comes down to the European Championships. They know this already.Johnny Molby, who was part the Denmark squad 29-years ago, says that "We came in late [in92], and maybe there were some sympathy for us." "It's the current situation that everyone feels a little sorry for Denmark."Yugoslavia was already in Euro host country Sweden in 1992 when they were expelled due to civil war and United Nations sanctions. After finishing second in the qualifying group behind Yugoslavia, Denmark failed to make it to the tournament. However, they were quickly invited to fill the gaps and were able to view the games on TV."A few days prior, there had been some talking that it might be possible," Kim Vilfort (a striker for 1992 Denmark), tells ESPN. "There was not much discussion about it being right or wrong to go. "OK, we go," was the conclusion of the discussions.Thomas Delaney, Denmark and their Euro 2020 performances have inspired and amazed. This is something that the tiny nation is famous for. NAOMI BAKER/POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesOfficial notification of the Danish FA was only on May 30, 1992, the day before the final squads were submitted to UEFA. Manager Richard Moller Nielsen had an additional few days to name his players. On June 11, the team faced England, who were World Cup semifinalists two year earlier in Malmo.Molby recalls that Molby was laughing when he and his team were told they had a week to prepare. "We were physically fit, but there wasn't any expectation of us. Everyone was relaxed."After a goalless draw against England, Sweden lost 1-0 to Sweden. However, a 2-1 victory over France in their last group game was enough for them to reach the 1992 semifinals.After defeats to Finland and Russia, Euro 2020 saw the decisive victory against Russia. This is understandable considering Eriksen's heart attack during the match -- and the fact that Belgium was also present. Denmark followed up with a win against Wales of 4-0 in the final 16 and a win against Czech Republic of 2-1 in their quarterfinal, setting up a date with England.Molby explains that the 1992 campaign was marked by a "good result against France" and that it gave them hope for something more."France had Eric Cantona (Jean-Pierre] Papin, they were a great team. It's the mindset of the Danish people. Denmark is dangerous to play against when you are underdogs and start to achieve good results. Everyone's confidence increases and it is difficult to play against us. It was the same in 1992 and is still the case today.Even though Denmark reached the semifinals without Eriksen this year, the 1992 team was also without a key player. After forward Michael Laudrup was unable to attend the tournament due to differences with Nielsen, they made history without him. Nielsen had a reputation of favoring defensive organisation over attacking flair. Laudrup's brother Brian had just recovered from a serious knee injury. However, he was named in the tournament's team of the tournament along with Peter Schmeichel, Manchester United goalkeeper.The 1988 winners Netherlands were defeated on penalties by the semi-final after a draw of 2-2. Schmeichel saved Marco van Basten's decisive spot kick -- before the final against the reigning World champions Germany, Gothenburg.After 18 minutes, John Jensen scored for Denmark. Vilfort made it to 2-0 after Germany pushed furiously for an equaliser, forcing Schmeichel into two remarkable saves.This match took place just days after Denmark voted to remain out of the European Union.Vilfort told ESPN that it was a "special moment" and a "special time in Denmark." It was a moment that brought together the entire country. That's hard. Football is the only thing that can do this. People in Denmark can recall where they were June 26, 1992. Even people who don’t know much about football can agree with this sentiment.Although Denmark wasn't supposed at Euro 1992, a late call by Yugoslavia to replace it resulted in the Danes winning all of the tournament. Alessandro Sabattini/Getty ImagesKasper Hjulmand's team must beat England, then defeat Spain or Italy to make July 11 2021 memorable.Vilfort states, "It's possible." It's difficult to get into the semifinal against England at Wembley, but it's just one match. The Danish team has so much confidence. Although it's harder than 1992 because of the four knockout matches, which we had two of, anything is possible. Although Denmark isn't the favourite, people love to see the underdog win occasionally."Although Denmark failed to match the class of 1992, they have won in many other ways. According to the team, Eriksen is in good health and out of surgery. The team is second only to the star midfielder's well-being, and lifting Sunday's trophy is a distant second. Hjulmand believes that anything that happens here is a bonus and has brought the team closer together.After the win over Wales, Hjulmand stated that "When Christian fell apart, it changed everything." We were placed in a different circumstance: I am grateful to everyone for their support, because that was what we needed at that time. They are heroes. They are warriors."Molby also made some comparisons between the 2021 and 1992 Danish squads.Molby states that it was a surprise to everyone in 1992. It is an example of team spirit and confidence. That was what we had, and Denmark has it again. We were organized and knew exactly what to do. Although we played against better teams, we were the best team.He says that the Danish people are proud of their team and are receiving a lot support. "England at Wembley can be a difficult game, but anything is possible. In 1992, we proved that. It's amazing that a small country can send a message to Europe that it can do this.
