On this Wednesday evening, England and Denmark play the second European Championship finalists. The Danish goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel and an English journalist fought a verbal “duel” in advance – with a clear winner.
Some want to finally make it back to the final of a major tournament after 1966, while others want to keep their chance for the second European title: This Wednesday evening at London’s Wembley Stadium, England and Denmark are about to make it to the final of the European Championship.
The duel should also be a game of great emotions: While England’s previous appearances have not left the whole nation unjustifiably dreaming of the first European Championship title in history, the underdogs from Scandinavia, who have long been admired abroad for their team spirit and passion, want to be spoilsport and deprive the home side of what is probably the greatest chance for a title in 55 years. In order to regain Europe’s football throne after 1992 – assuming a final victory. At least verbally, the Danes in the person of their keeper Kasper Schmeichel have already presented them.
Kasper Schmeichel: “Was he ever home?”
At a press conference on Tuesday evening, the professional currently under contract with Leicester City teased the rival – and put his finger into an old wound of the Three Lions. When asked by an English journalist how it would feel to prevent the English from bringing the title home – as in the song “Football’s Coming Home” – Schmeichel replied with a mischievous smile on his face: “Was he ever home? Have you ever won it? ” That sat, even if the journalist tried to clarify the background of his question.
Schmeichel then gave a serious answer. He only thought about what a victory would mean for Denmark, “and what joy it would bring to a country with only five and a half million”.
England’s captain Harry Kane, at least, took the tease calmly. Schmeichel was right, the striker replied to the Dane’s words. “We have never been European champions. But we now have a great chance of achieving it,” said the 27-year-old.
If Tuesday’s press conference were to be included in the game result, it would now be 1-0 for Denmark.
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
