EURO HISTORY Best performance: Winners 1992 Recent performances: 1980 Did not qualify 1984 SF 1988 R1 1992 Winners 1996 R1 2000 R1

In 1983 an Allan Simonsen penalty against England at Wembley took Denmark to their first appearance in the European Championship finals.

With the likes of Preben Elkj�r-Larsen, Morten Olsen and Michael Laudrup in their side, Denmark were the '84 tournament's surprise package.

Under coach Sepp Piontek's guidance, Denmark reached the last four after thrashing Yugsolvia 5-0.

Piontek's side then just missed out on a place in the final after losing on penalties to Spain after a thrilling semi-final.

Denmark disappointed in the 1988 tournament, but four years later they produced the greatest shock in the competition's history, securing a memorable victory over favourites Germany in a closely-fought final in Stockholm.

What made the victory even more extraordinary was the fact the Danes were only in the tournament because Yugoslavia were forced to pull out at the last minute.

Inspired by Peter Schmeichel in goal and Brian Laudrup in midfield, Denmark emerged from their group, which had included England, with a 2-1 win over France.

In the semi-finals Denmark edged past the 1988 winners Holland on penalties after a 2-2 draw.

Nearly 40,000 packed into Gothenburg's Nya Ullevi Stadium for the final and it was rank outsiders Denmark who got their noses in front thanks to a rare John Jensen strike 18 minutes into the game.

Schmeichel kept the Germans at bay for much of the game and with 12 minutes remaining Kim Vilfort finished them off with a memorable strike to give Denmark the title.

The Danes also qualified for Euro 96 and Euro 2000, but failed to get past the opening group stage in both tournaments.