Danish disaster in Group of Death

Not even Peter Schmeichel could stop the French

Three defeats, eight goals conceded and not a single goal scored paints a sorry picture of Denmark's run in the competition.

However coach Bo Johansson remains optimistic about the future for his side.

Eight years after winning the competition the Danes had the misfortune of being drawn in the same group as France, Holland and the Czech Republic.

The tone for their tournament was set in the early stages of their opening match with France.

Former Newcastle striker Jon Dahl Tomasson wasted a golden opportunity to put Denmark ahead and once the World Champions hit form Johansson's side were swept away 3-0.

Johansson: more upbeat than he looks

Host nation Holland repeated that scoreline in Denmark's second game and for all Peter Schmeichel's passion and commitment by the time it came round to meet the Czech's Group D had already been decided.

Any Danish side will naturally find it difficult to follow in the footsteps of the team that was so inspired by the Laudrup brothers but Johansson feels that they are moving in the right direction.

"The team showed through all their matches that they could be positive, and that's important," said Johansson.

And he feels that approach will eventually stand them in good stead.

"The Danish national team has a lot of quality with young, upcoming players gradually coming through the ranks and gaining experience.

"With time they will improve even more - and Denmark will have a very competitive team."