Denmark’s ‘Czech out’ deserved: Danish media

Danish newspapers on Monday bemoaned their team’s 3-0 Euro 2004 quarterfinal defeat by the Czech Republic but conceded that the Czechs ...

Danish newspapers on Monday bemoaned their team’s 3-0 Euro 2004 quarterfinal defeat by the Czech Republic but conceded that the Czechs had deserved to win.

“Even seen through yesterday’s disappointment it’s an unqualified success to reach a quarterfinal round that Spain, Italy and Germany failed to reach,” tabloid BT said in a column.

Despite dominating possession, the Danes failed to create many clear-cut chances and were picked off by three clinical Czech goals in the second half.

“That’s why it is also fair that the Czechs play in Thursday’s semi-final in Porto while the Danes go on summer vacation,” the paper said.

“One can only cry over a defeat that could have been a victory, but after Denmark’s loss to the Czech Republic yesterday there was no need for tears,” daily Berlingske wrote under the headline “Czeched out.”

“Sixteen minutes in hell and a break-down in defence, weakness in midfield and an attack lacking imagination sent Denmark home,” daily Jylands-Posten’s columnist Frits Christensen wrote.

Despite yet another defeat by the Czechs who have only lost once to Denmark in 19 meetings, criticism of coach Morten Olsen was generally light, though Jyllands-Posten felt he should have reacted sooner to improve the team’s attacking options.

“At 3-0 it was too late,” the paper said.