That, though, would be to overlook the guidance and purpose of their coach, Bo Johansson.

It was under Johansson's steady hand that Denmark reached the quarter-finals of France 98 where they were beaten by Brazil.

The self-confidence that has been the cornerstone of the coach's doctrine - particularly since the retirement of the Laudrup brothers - was there for all to see as Denmark fought back from 2-0 down against Italy away, to score three goals and claim the group runners-up spot.

Four years after being appointed, Johansson is in some ways starting from scratch - an unexpected way for the 57-year-old itinerant Swede to bow out, which he will do after the tournament.

Not only have retirements meant a change of approach, but there have been injuries to key personnel too.

Little wonder Denmark struggled as they did. Big wonder that they pulled through.

His experiences during the qualifiers, where Denmark battled as much against themselves as the opposition, were similar to his own career as player and coach.

His playing days were spent exclusively with Kalmar in the Swedish First Division, and his first coaching duties were at third-division Lindsal in 1974, before he returned to Kalmar as coach in 1977.

It was, though, with Osters that Johansson's reputation took off after he took the Premier League club to successive championships in 1980 and 1981.

A return to Kalmar was followed by his first venture abroad, to Norway, with First Division side FK Jerv, before heading back to Osters in 1986.

However, he could not match the success of his first spell and, in 1988, he moved to Panionios in Greece and then to Iceland for his first foray into the murky waters of coaching a national side in 1986.

It will be Morten Olsen's turn to enter those murky waters at the tournament's end.