Denmark are full of the spirit of '92

THE spirit that guided Denmark to their surprise triumph at the 1992 European championship is still alive, says striker Ebbe Sand.

"There was a great atmosphere then. The players knew they were outsiders but they believed in themselves," Sand said yesterday.

"It's exactly the same here and I believe we can do it again," added the 31-year-old, before tomorrow's Euro 2004 quarter-final against the Czech Republic in Porto.

Denmark were invited to the 1992 tournament in Sweden at the last minute, following the withdrawal of Yugoslavia, and went all the way, beating Germany in the final.

"Our main goal coming here was to survive the group but now we've done that, we want more. The spirit in the team is fantastic now, just like it was then. If on top of that we have a bit of luck, everything is possible," said Sand who made his debut in 1998.

The prolific Sand, who plays his club football in the Bundesliga with Schalke 04, had to miss training yesterday because of a sore right hamstring. However, he said he hoped to be fit for the game.

"It's a bit stiff but hopefully it will be okay tomorrow (Saturday) and I will be able to resume training and be 100% fit for the match," he said.

The unbeaten Czechs are among the favourites to win the title following their impressive performances in the first round.

"That's true but it doesn't mean we can't beat them," he said. "We have a lot of respect for them but we also believe we can win."

Denmark have appeared in every European championship finals since 1984, a feat matched only by Germany, and since arriving in Portugal their players have looked very relaxed.

"That's one of our secrets," said Sand. "It's part of the Danish culture. But it doesn't mean we don't take football seriously."

Czech Republic coach Karel Bruckner, who rested many first-choice players for the 2-1 win against Germany, will restore his stars against Denmark.

That means the likes of Pavel Nedved, Jan Koller and Tomas Rosicky will be back in action at the Dragao Stadium.

Probable teams

CZECH REPUBLIC: Cech, Grygera, Bolf, Ujfalusi, Jankulovski, Poborsky, Galasek, Rosicky, Nedved, Baros, Koller

DENMARK: Sorensen, Helveg, Henriksen, Laursen, Jorgensen, Bogelund, Gravesen, Poulsen, Rommedahl, Tomasson, Madsen.