Not Meant to Be There

The 1992 Euros weren't the extravagant affairs they are today. Yugoslavia's disqualification due to war threw the tournament into disarray, with Denmark getting a last-minute call-up. Even their best player, Laudrup, skipped the Euros due to disagreements with the coach.

Small is Beautiful

Sweden hosted the Euros with a modest approach, nicknamed "Small is Beautiful." The mascot was a rabbit named Rabbit! Denmark started slow, drawing with England and losing to Sweden. But team bonding over mini-golf on the eve of their final group match sparked a turnaround.

Underdogs Triumph

Denmark, now playing aggressively, defeated France and emerged top of their group. They faced the mighty Netherlands in the semi-finals. The game went to penalties, and Denmark's hero, goalkeeper Schmeichel, saved a crucial kick.

Victory Over Germany

The final against Germany was a historic David vs Goliath clash. Denmark, playing with grit and determination, scored twice and held on for a stunning 2-0 victory. Coach Vogts' atrocious purple tracksuit became a bizarre memory of the match.

A Moment in Time

Denmark's win was a national celebration, a sweet victory against arch-rivals Germany. It's unlikely to be repeated in today's Euros, dominated by a few powerful nations with superior resources.

Football Then and Now

The 1992 Euros saw more speculative shooting and less emphasis on possession. Today's game is faster, more technical, and arguably more predictable. While Denmark's win is a reminder that underdogs can prevail, the current landscape of European football makes such fairytales rarer.

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The Redemption Games: Ryk Neethling and the Athens Olympics 4x100m Relay

This episode dives into the captivating story of Ryk Neethling and the South African 4x100m freestyle relay team at the 2004 Athens Olympics. It's a tale of redemption, teamwork, and overcoming adversity.

Bruised by Sydney

The 2000 Sydney Olympics were a disaster for Neethling. Ranked in the top three globally for several events, he left empty-handed. The weight of expectation, coupled with the dominance of the Australian team, crushed his spirit. He retreated from competitive swimming for nearly two years.

Finding Solace in Water

Back in South Africa, Neethling rediscovered his love for swimming. Coaching youngsters and participating in Masters classes reignited his passion. He realized swimming wasn't just about competition; it was his refuge.

A Second Chance

In 2001, Neethling decided to give competitive swimming another go. He transformed himself from a distance swimmer to a powerful sprinter. However, his journey wasn't smooth. He struggled with self-doubt and strained relationships.

Building a Brotherhood

Enter Roland Schoeman and Lyndon Ferns. Together, under the guidance of coaches Rick DeMont and Frank Busch at the University of Arizona, they formed a formidable team. DeMont, a former Olympic champion who lost his medal due to a doping controversy, instilled a sense of purpose and camaraderie.

Barcelona Blues and a Turning Point

A disappointing eighth-place finish at the 2003 World Championships in Barcelona was a wake-up call. Busch and DeMont challenged the team to invest in each other and dream big. They envisioned an Olympic medal.

The Quest for the Fourth

The team lacked a strong fourth member. After trials and tribulations, Darian Townsend emerged, completing the puzzle.

Olympic Antics and American Anomalies

The Athens Games weren't without drama. Issues with sponsorships and DeMont's accreditation caused friction. On a lighter note, DeMont used a hilarious anecdote about kudu bulls to motivate the team before the final.

Hall's Absence, Ferns' Fury

The biggest surprise was the American team's line-up. Trash-talking Gary Hall Jr. was surprisingly benched. Ferns, fueled by Hall's pre-race taunts, swam the race of his life.

From Soutie to Hero

Townsend, the "soutie" amidst the Afrikaans-speaking "boertjies," silenced doubters with a stellar performance.

A Race for the Ages

Neethling, anchoring the team, took the lead and held on for dear life in a nail-biting finish. South Africa not only won gold but also smashed the Olympic record set by Australia in Sydney.

National Euphoria

Back home, the victory sparked national jubilation. Neethling's family erupted in celebration, and impromptu dance parties broke out across South Africa.

Redemption Complete

The Athens triumph marked Neethling's personal and collective redemption. It proved that with belief, hard work, and a dash of luck, even the most bruised egos can rise to Olympic glory.

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A Well-Deserved Selection

The author praises the selection process, free from external pressures and focused on merit. Coach Rob Walter and Director of Cricket Enoch Nkwe are commended for picking a team they believe can win the World Cup.

Reasons for Optimism

The team is fit (except Kagiso Rabada's minor injury) and experienced, with players like Markram, Klaasen, Rabada, and Nortje. Form has been a key factor in selection, with Gerald Coetzee replacing Lungi Ngidi based on recent performance. The presence of all-rounder Marco Jansen provides batting depth. A clear batting order is established with Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks opening, followed by Markram, Klaasen, Stubbs, Miller, and potentially Jansen. The bowling attack is well-rounded with Coetzee, Rabada, Nortje, Shamsi (maybe), and Fortuin/Baartman (based on form).

Underlying Concerns

The lack of black African representation in the squad is a concern (only Rabada qualifies). The author questions the effectiveness of Cricket South Africa's (CSA) transformation efforts despite significant investment. The focus on quotas and targets might have hindered genuine development in townships. The decline of township cricket initiatives like those under Ali Bacher's leadership is lamented.

Hope for the Future

Despite the transformation concerns, the author acknowledges the squad's talent and potential. Captain Markram's experience and Klaasen's skills inspire hope. Coach Walter's focus and CSA's desire to emulate the success of SA Rugby are seen as positive signs.

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