Denmark national under-21 football team
National youth football team.
The Denmark national under-21 football team represents Denmark in international competitions for players under the age of 21 and is managed by the Danish Football Association. Established in 1976, the team has participated in various tournaments, including the UEFA European Under-21 Championship and the Olympic Games. Despite a solid history, Denmark U21 has experienced fairly average performances over the years.
In the UEFA European Under-21 Championship, Denmark has reached the semi-finals twice, in 1992 and 2015, but has not secured a title. They have qualified for the tournament nine times since its inception, with their most recent qualification resulting in a quarter-final exit in 2021. The team's overall record includes several group stage eliminations, reflecting challenges in consistently advancing through the competition.
Denmark U21 has also participated in the Olympic Games, making two appearances with their best result being a quarter-final finish in 2016. The team has faced difficulties in qualification for both UEFA tournaments and the Olympics, with notable failures to qualify for recent editions. The current head coach is Steffen Højer, who leads a squad of promising young players aiming to improve their competitive standing. The team's biggest victory was a dominant 9-0 win against Luxembourg in 2002, showcasing their potential. However, they have also suffered significant defeats, such as a 6-0 loss to Bulgaria in 1989.