As a group runner-up, FC Midtjylland has this afternoon drawn Sporting Lisbon in the final 32 of the Europa League.
The first game will be in Lisbon on February 16 and the return leg on February 23. Sporting previously finished third in their Champions League group.
Crazy qualification
FC Midtjylland’s qualification last Thursday could not have been more epic: their 2-0 win against Austrian outfit Sturm Graz was only half the story.
For the first time in European history, all four teams in the group ended up with eight points, with FCM advancing in second place thanks to a vastly superior goal difference to Lazio, who they handily beat 5-1, and Sturm Graz.
Sole survivor
FCM will be the only Danish team in Europe after Christmas.
FC Copenhagen bowed out of the Champions League while Silkeborg lost out in the the Conference League following a 0-2 loss to Anderlecht at home when only a draw was needed to progress.
Qatar looking for Danish fans
There will be 30 to 50 fans from each participating country taking part in the opening ceremony of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar on November 20. The ceremony is scheduled to include a five-minute segment in which fans from participating nations will perform a song. The accepted fans will get a paid flight to Qatar, an apartment during the tournament and pocket money of approximately 500 kroner a day as a thank you. But they will also have to like Qatar social media posts and report “degrading or offensive comments” to the World Cup organisers.
Danes nominated for the renowned cycling award
Jonas Vingegaard and Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig have been nominated for the renowned Vélo d’Or cycling award. Tour de France winner Vingegaard is among the favourites for the award, competing against notable riders like Tadej Pogačar, Wout van Aert and Remco Evenepoel. The Vélo d’Or is also rewarding women for the first time. Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig won a Tour de France stage and is nominated, but Dutch rider Annemiek van Vleuten is the clear favourite for the award. Winners will be unveiled at the end of the month.
Denmark shocked by hosts, but through to next round
The Danish women’s handball team are back on track following to a disappointing start to the 2022 European Championship in Slovenia. Denmark led at half-time but ended up losing their opener 26-28 to the host nation. Normal service resumed with a 34-21 thrashing of Serbia that ensures they will make it through to the next round. Their next game is against Sweden tomorrow.
Dane runner tested positive
Marathon runner Abdi Ulad has been caught using the banned substance trimetazidine, which facilitates more oxygen to the heart and thus enhances performance. The Danish Athletics Association is going to look at his case. He competed in the marathons at the 2016 and 2021 Olympics and finished 23rd in the 42,2km race in Tokyo last year.
