Scandinavian sides impressively accumulated 56 points in the group stages of the last 10 World Cups. Denmark, Sweden and Norway registered 26, 21 and nine points respectively. The three nations, during that period, reached the knockout phase nine times in 13 participations.
‘Danish Dynamite’ began the success at Mexico 1986. Soren Lerby, Michael Laudrup, Jesper Olsen and Preben Elkjaer wowed the world and won all three games in a tough group also comprising Scotland, Uruguay and West Germany, before losing to Spain in the last 16. Denmark, with Dennis Rommedahl and Jon Dahl Tomasson shining, finished top of a group also including France, Senegal and Uruguay at Korea/Japan 2002.
Tomas Brolin, Martin Dahlin and Sweden went unbeaten in the first phase at USA 1994, drawing 1-1 with Brazil along the way, and ultimately finished third. The Blue and Yellows then topped their pool ahead of England, Argentina and Nigeria at Korea/Japan 2002, and Mexico, Korea Republic and Germany at Russia 2018.
Norway, at their first World Cup in 56 years in 1994, picked up four points and were extremely unlucky to go out on goals scored. Tore Andre Flo then inspired a stunning upset of Brazil that sent Egil Olsen’s charges into the knockout phase at France 1998.
