World Cup - Allan Nielsen on Denmark and 'fascinating' Eriksen-Modric clash
Sat 30 June 2018, 11:37|
Tottenham Hotspur
Allan Nielsen knows a thing or two about match-ups in the World Cup – and he’s relishing another classic duel when Denmark take on Croatia in the last 16 on Sunday.
Our legendary former midfielder – always remembered for his last-minute winner in the 1999 League Cup Final – helped take the Danes to the quarter-finals in France in 1998.
Along the way, Denmark faced hosts and eventual-winners France with Allan finding himself up against Petit/Vieira/Karembeu/Djorkaeff before a quarter-final with runners-up Brazil and Dunga/Rivaldo/Leonardo.
Now another midfield clash all Spurs fans are relishing – our Great Dane Christian Eriksen up against former Spur Luka Modric in Nizhny Novgorod (7pm UK).
The pair met twice in the Champions League last season as we drew 1-1 against Real Madrid in the Bernabeu before that memorable 3-1 win at Wembley – Christian capping his performance that night with the third goal.
“Both players have been fantastic,” said Allan, who played 115 times for us between 1996-2000 and won 44 caps for Denmark.
“Of course, Luka was at Spurs, now he’s doing an amazing job at Real Madrid. Croatia have always produced amazing players and what I see with Modric, he’s right in the centre of this team, he pulls it all together and they are all working in the right direction.
We all know Christian has been unbelievable in how he’s developed
“We all know Christian has been unbelievable in how he’s developed. We’ve always had those individual, star players like the Laudrups, Peter Schmeichel, all playing in the top teams across Europe but we’ve always relied on team work. That’s what we’re good at. No-one puts themselves in front of the team. This is a fascinating battle.”
Allan, 47, scored in the group stage against South Africa in 1998 and appreciates exactly how well the Danish class of 2018 have done to get to Russia and now into the knockout phase of the tournament.
“I was part of the 1998 squad that got to the quarter-finals and played Brazil, that’s the furthest we’ve been in the World Cup and it was an amazing experience,” he added.
“We beat Nigeria 4-1 in the last 16. It’s an amazing, unbelievable experience for all the players and for a small country like Denmark, it’s a big achievement.
“Now it’s now or never, we have to step up against Croatia and throw everything we have at this game. I’m sure we’re ready.”
Allan Nielsen fact file...
- Early career at Bayern Munich, Sion, Odense, FC Copenhagen and Brondby
- Joined Spurs in 1996
- Made 115 appearances 1996-2000
- Scored last-minute winner and named MOTM, 1999 League Cup Final v Leicester
- Joined Watford in 2000, played over 100 games 2000-2003
- Ended career as player/coach at Herfolge Boldklub, 2003-05
- Capped 44 times by Denmark
- Played in Euro 96, Euro 2000 and 1998 World Cup
