Denmark and Sweden football rivalry
Encyclopedia
The Denmark–Sweden football rivalry is a highly competitive sports rivalry
that exists between the national football
teams of Denmark
and Sweden
. The clashes between the two neighbouring countries has since the very first match in 1913 attracted large crowds that have witnessed several spectacular games and controversial incidents, despite the fact that the two teams very seldom have met in any of the larger international football tournaments.
In the group stage of the UEFA Euro 2004 tournament, the two teams met each other for the first competitive game since the UEFA Euro 1992 group stage, and the first rivalry game since April 2000.
Prior to the game on June 22, 2004, the group C standings were as shown in the table to the right. Simultaneously with the game, Italy faced Bulgaria. With a win, Italy would advance from the group stage, unless Denmark and Sweden drew their game, causing all three teams to end with five points. The tiebreaker would then be the match results between the tied teams, and with Sweden playing 1–1 and Denmark 0–0 with Italy, a Denmark-Sweden draw of 2–2 or higher would leave Italy with one goal from the tied matches, and send both Sweden and Denmark through to the quarter finals, regardless of the Italian side's efforts.
After a 28th-minute-opener by Jon Dahl Tomasson
, Henrik Larsson
equalised on a penalty shortly after the break. Tomasson brought Denmark one up again in the 66th minute, but just minutes before the final whistle Mattias Jonson
equalised for Sweden to make up the final score of 2–2.
The Italian side, meanwhile, had beaten Bulgaria by 2–1 on a goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time, which would have otherwise sent them through. This caused an uproar within the Italian team, with goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon
and Italian football federation president Franco Carraro
both accusing the Danish and Swedish team of match fixing
. However then-Italian manager Giovanni Trapattoni
said that he nor the federation would protest against the result. UEFA
did not investigate the case.
and one from Petter Hansson
in the first half hour of the game. However, through goals by Daniel Agger
, Jon Dahl Tomasson
, and Leon Andreasen
, Denmark completed a remarkable comeback.
In the 89th minute, Denmark's Christian Poulsen
hit Markus Rosenberg
in the stomach, prompting German referee Herbert Fandel
to send him off and award Sweden a penalty kick. Before the penalty kick could be executed, a Danish supporter ran unto the pitch and attempted to punch Fandel, but was stopped by Denmark's Michael Gravgaard
. Fandel abandoned the match, Sweden was awarded the match as a 3–0 win, and Denmark was sentenced to play its next two qualifying matches at least 140 km away from Copenhagen. The two teams met for the re-match on 8 September 2007 in Stockholm, which ended in a 0–0 draw. Sweden eventually qualified for the UEFA Euro 2008, while Denmark finished fourth in the group and was eliminated.
. On 6 June 2009, Denmark defeated Sweden 1–0 in Solna
, the first victory for Denmark over Sweden since 1996. Sweden's Kim Källström
was given a penalty early in the game, but Thomas Sørensen
saved the shot. Denmark's Thomas Kahlenberg
scored the only goal in the 22nd minute after a defensive mistake by Mikael Nilsson.
The 10 October 2009 re-match was the first rivalry game at Parken Stadium
since the controversial fan attack incident. During the game, Sweden had two goals correctly annulled for offside, before Denmark's Jakob Poulsen
scored the only goal in the 78th minute. Denmark won the game 1–0, and secured Danish qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup
, while Sweden eventually finished third and were eliminated.
Sports rivalry
A sports rivalry is intense competition between athletic teams or athletes. This pressure of competition is felt by players, coaches, and management, but is perhaps felt strongest by the fans. The intensity of the rivalry varies from a friendly competition on one end to serious violence on the...
that exists between the national football
Football (soccer)
Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball...
teams of Denmark
Denmark national football team
The Denmark national football team represents Denmark in association football and is controlled by the Danish Football Association , the governing body for the football clubs which are organized under DBU...
and Sweden
Sweden national football team
The Swedish national football team represents Sweden in association football and is controlled by the Swedish Football Association, the governing body for Football in Sweden. Sweden's home ground is Råsunda Stadium in Stockholms län and their head coach is Erik Hamrén. Sweden made their first...
. The clashes between the two neighbouring countries has since the very first match in 1913 attracted large crowds that have witnessed several spectacular games and controversial incidents, despite the fact that the two teams very seldom have met in any of the larger international football tournaments.
Euro 2004 group match
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In the group stage of the UEFA Euro 2004 tournament, the two teams met each other for the first competitive game since the UEFA Euro 1992 group stage, and the first rivalry game since April 2000.
Prior to the game on June 22, 2004, the group C standings were as shown in the table to the right. Simultaneously with the game, Italy faced Bulgaria. With a win, Italy would advance from the group stage, unless Denmark and Sweden drew their game, causing all three teams to end with five points. The tiebreaker would then be the match results between the tied teams, and with Sweden playing 1–1 and Denmark 0–0 with Italy, a Denmark-Sweden draw of 2–2 or higher would leave Italy with one goal from the tied matches, and send both Sweden and Denmark through to the quarter finals, regardless of the Italian side's efforts.
After a 28th-minute-opener by Jon Dahl Tomasson
Jon Dahl Tomasson
Jon Dahl Tomasson is a retired Danish footballer and assistant manager at the Dutch football club SBV Excelsior....
, Henrik Larsson
Henrik Larsson
Henrik Edward Larsson MBE is a retired Swedish footballer and current manager of Landskrona BoIS.Larsson began his career with Högaborgs BK. He moved to Helsingborg, where he was one of the key players when they qualified to Allsvenskan 1993. Larsson then moved to Feyenoord for four years before...
equalised on a penalty shortly after the break. Tomasson brought Denmark one up again in the 66th minute, but just minutes before the final whistle Mattias Jonson
Mattias Jonson
Mattias Jonson is a Swedish former professional football player, who played as a midfielder for Swedish club Djurgårdens IF in the Allsvenskan championship...
equalised for Sweden to make up the final score of 2–2.
The Italian side, meanwhile, had beaten Bulgaria by 2–1 on a goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time, which would have otherwise sent them through. This caused an uproar within the Italian team, with goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon
Gianluigi Buffon
Gianluigi "Gigi" Buffon, Ufficiale OMRI , is an Italian footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Serie A club Juventus and the Italian national team. He has won the FIFA World Cup and is widely considered by fans and experts to be one of most dominant and successful goalkeepers in history...
and Italian football federation president Franco Carraro
Franco Carraro
Franco Carraro is an Italian sport manager and a former member of Italian Socialist Party in the 1980s and 1990s.-Football:Carraro was born in Padua....
both accusing the Danish and Swedish team of match fixing
Match fixing
In organised sports, match fixing, game fixing, race fixing, or sports fixing occurs as a match is played to a completely or partially pre-determined result, violating the rules of the game and often the law. Where the sporting competition in question is a race then the incident is referred to as...
. However then-Italian manager Giovanni Trapattoni
Giovanni Trapattoni
Giovanni Trapattoni , sometimes known as "Trap" or "Il Trap", is an Italian football coach and former player, considered the most successful club coach in the history of Serie A. As a player he was part of Italy's squad at the 1962 FIFA World Cup....
said that he nor the federation would protest against the result. UEFA
UEFA
The Union of European Football Associations , almost always referred to by its acronym UEFA is the administrative and controlling body for European association football, futsal and beach soccer....
did not investigate the case.
Abandoned 2008 Euro qualifier
The next rivalry games came in the UEFA Euro 2008 qualification group games. The first game was played on 2 June 2007, and started out with the Swedish side going three goals up after two goals from Johan ElmanderJohan Elmander
Johan Erik Calvin Elmander is a Swedish footballer who plays as a striker for Galatasaray and the Sweden national football team. He joined in a free transfer after his contract with English club Bolton Wanderers in the Premier League expired...
and one from Petter Hansson
Petter Hansson
Petter Hansson ; born December 14, 1976 in Söderhamn) is a Swedish footballer who is currently playing in the French Ligue 2 at AS Monaco.- Söderhamns FF and Halmstads BK :...
in the first half hour of the game. However, through goals by Daniel Agger
Daniel Agger
Daniel Munthe Agger is a Danish footballer who plays for Liverpool and the Denmark national football team. He started his senior career at Danish club Brøndby IF in July 2004, with whom he won the 2005 Danish Superliga championship. The Liverpool fans have created a song for him to the tune of...
, Jon Dahl Tomasson
Jon Dahl Tomasson
Jon Dahl Tomasson is a retired Danish footballer and assistant manager at the Dutch football club SBV Excelsior....
, and Leon Andreasen
Leon Andreasen
Leon Hougaard Andreasen is a Danish professional football player, who plays centre midfield. He has played fifteen caps and scored two goals for the Denmark national football team. He currently plays for Hannover 96....
, Denmark completed a remarkable comeback.
In the 89th minute, Denmark's Christian Poulsen
Christian Poulsen
Christian Bjørnshøj Poulsen is a Danish footballer who plays for Evian in Ligue 1. He has played for a number of European clubs, winning the Danish Superliga championship with F.C...
hit Markus Rosenberg
Markus Rosenberg
Nils Markus Rosenberg , born 27 September 1982 in Malmö) is a Swedish footballer currently playing for German side Werder Bremen. As of 11 February 2009, Rosenberg, who is nicknamed "Sillen" , has played 30 games and scored six times for the Swedish national team.-Early career:Rosenberg started his...
in the stomach, prompting German referee Herbert Fandel
Herbert Fandel
Herbert Fandel is a former German football referee who was in charge of the 2007 UEFA Champions League final. Fandel refereed the UEFA Cup final in 2006 between the English side Middlesbrough and the Spanish side Sevilla. He also refereed the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup on home soil in Germany...
to send him off and award Sweden a penalty kick. Before the penalty kick could be executed, a Danish supporter ran unto the pitch and attempted to punch Fandel, but was stopped by Denmark's Michael Gravgaard
Michael Gravgaard
Michael Julius Gravgaard is a Danish former football player, who effectively ended his playing career at FC Nantes in May 2010. Despite the fact of having a contract with FC Nantes until July 2011, his club was not interested to honour the contract, and opted instead in May 2010, to try and file...
. Fandel abandoned the match, Sweden was awarded the match as a 3–0 win, and Denmark was sentenced to play its next two qualifying matches at least 140 km away from Copenhagen. The two teams met for the re-match on 8 September 2007 in Stockholm, which ended in a 0–0 draw. Sweden eventually qualified for the UEFA Euro 2008, while Denmark finished fourth in the group and was eliminated.
2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers
The two teams were once more drawn in the same group for the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification2010 FIFA World Cup qualification - UEFA Group 1
The 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification UEFA Group 1 was a UEFA qualifying group for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The group comprised 2006 fourth-place finishers Portugal, along with Sweden, Denmark, Hungary, Albania and Malta....
. On 6 June 2009, Denmark defeated Sweden 1–0 in Solna
Solna Municipality
Solna Municipality is a municipality in Stockholm County in east central Sweden, located just north of the capital Stockholm. Its seat is located in the 'city' of Solna....
, the first victory for Denmark over Sweden since 1996. Sweden's Kim Källström
Kim Källström
Kim Källström is a left-footed Swedish midfielder playing for the Swedish national team and Olympique Lyonnais.-Early career:Källström's first professional club in Sweden was BK Häcken from Gothenburg but his big breakthrough in Sweden came when he moved to Djurgårdens IF in 2002, where he won the...
was given a penalty early in the game, but Thomas Sørensen
Thomas Sørensen
Thomas Løvendahl Sørensen is a Danish professional football goalkeeper, who plays for Premier League club Stoke City. He has previously represented Premiership teams Sunderland and Aston Villa....
saved the shot. Denmark's Thomas Kahlenberg
Thomas Kahlenberg
Thomas Kahlenberg is a Danish footballer, who plays as an attacking midfielder for German team Wolfsburg. He started his career with Brøndby IF, winning two Danish Superliga championship, and played four seasons at French club AJ Auxerre...
scored the only goal in the 22nd minute after a defensive mistake by Mikael Nilsson.
The 10 October 2009 re-match was the first rivalry game at Parken Stadium
Parken Stadium
Parken Stadium is a football stadium in the Indre Østerbro district of Copenhagen, Denmark, built from 1990–1992. It currently has a capacity of 38,065 for football games, and is the home ground of F.C. Københaven and the Danish national football team...
since the controversial fan attack incident. During the game, Sweden had two goals correctly annulled for offside, before Denmark's Jakob Poulsen
Jakob Poulsen
Jakob Bendix Uhd Poulsen is a Danish professional football player in the midfielder position, playing for FC Midtjylland. Poulsen started his senior career with Esbjerg fB, before moving to Dutch side SC Heerenveen in 2006. He joined AGF Aarhus in the summer of 2008...
scored the only goal in the 78th minute. Denmark won the game 1–0, and secured Danish qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup
2010 FIFA World Cup
The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010...
, while Sweden eventually finished third and were eliminated.
Statistics
| Tournament | Pld | Den Wins | Draws | Swe Wins | Den Goals | Swe Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| World Cup FIFA World Cup The FIFA World Cup, often simply the World Cup, is an international association football competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association , the sport's global governing body... |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| World Cup qualifying FIFA World Cup qualification The FIFA World Cup qualification is the process that a national association football team goes through to qualify for the FIFA World Cup Finals. The FIFA World Cup is a global event, so qualification is required to reduce the large field of participants from about 200 to 32.Qualifying tournaments... |
2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| European Championship UEFA European Football Championship The UEFA European Football Championship is the main football competition of the men's national football teams governed by UEFA . Held every four years since 1960, in the even-numbered year between World Cup tournaments, it was originally called the UEFA European Nations Cup, changing to the current... |
2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| European Championship qualifying | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| Olympic tournament Football at the Summer Olympics Association football, usually known simply as football or soccer, has been included in every Olympiad except 1896 and 1932 as a men's competition sport. Women's football was added to the official programme in 1996.-Early history:... |
1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 |
| Nordic Championship Nordic Football Championship The Nordic Football Championship was an international football competition contested by the men's national football teams of the Nordic countries... |
49 | 15 | 9 | 25 | 78 | 104 |
| Exhibition games | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 12 |
| Friendly matches | 41 | 20 | 7 | 14 | 75 | 56 |
| Decade | Pld | Den Wins | Draws | Swe Wins | Den Goals | Swe Goals |
| 1910s | 12 | 9 | 1 | 2 | 35 | 10 |
| 1920s | 10 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 17 | 10 |
| 1930s | 10 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 24 | 24 |
| 1940s | 17 | 4 | 4 | 9 | 30 | 45 |
| 1950s | 11 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 18 | 35 |
| 1960s | 10 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 18 | 35 |
| 1970s | 11 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 11 | 16 |
| 1980s | 8 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 13 | 7 |
| 1990s | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 8 |
| 2000s | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 6 |
| Place | Pld | Den Wins | Draws | Swe Wins | Den Goals | Swe Goals |
| In Denmark | 46 | 21 | 7 | 18 | 92 | 79 |
| In Sweden | 52 | 17 | 10 | 25 | 70 | 95 |
| Neutral ground | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 8 |
| Total | 101 | 38 | 18 | 45 | 166 | 182 |