How direct Danes turned away from Total Football

It was the greatest night for at least five years, the night that marked a turning point for the Danish national team.

Back in September, Poland — until then, undefeated group leaders — were annihilated at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen, sent back home with a 4-0 defeat. Denmark’s hopes of qualifying for the World Cup for the fifth time in history was back on track. And the triumph finally signalled a definite break with the 15-year reign of Morten Olsen, which ended two years ago with the play-off defeat against neighbours Sweden in Euro 2016 qualification.

“This was the day, when Åge Hareide left Morten Olsen’s shadow behind him,” the newspaper Jyllands-Posten wrote. Denmark’s Norwegian manager was praised for his tactical masterpiece and creating a striking change to the playing style.