Michael Laudrup

Laudrup, older brother of Brian, is not just a Danish legend but also a footballing legend, such was his quality during his playing days. The attack-minded midfielder made his debut for the Danish national side in 1982 and subsequently went on to achieve more than a century of caps. Laudrup was named in Denmark's World Cup squad for the 1986 tournament hosted in Mexico after he helped his nation achieve qualification. And in their opening game they edged out Scotland 1-0 before their second group match saw them take on Uruguay. Denmark ran riot versus the South American team and Laudrup scored a hugely memorable solo goal that saw him embark on a wonderful dribble before netting. A 2-0 victory over West Germany then followed before Denmark were drawn against Spain in the last 16. Their dream ended versus the Spanish as Denmark and Laudrup found themselves on the receiving end of a 5-1 drubbing. After Denmark failed to qualify for the next two tournaments, Laudrup skippered his nation at the 1998 competition in France. The Danes battled their way out of the group stage, with Laudrup on target versus France, to book a meeting with Nigeria in the last 16. Denmark swept aside their African opposition as Laudrup marvellously assisted a goal for Ebbe Sand in a game that ended 4-1. But Denmark and Laudrup were heartbreakingly knocked out in their quarter-final clash with Brazil, who triumphed 3-2 in Nantes. Laudrup soon retired from international football before he occupied the position of Denmark assistant manager for two years.