Rasmus Christophersen remembers. He was just 7 years old, but the details have secured a permanent spot in his mind.
As the Danes played in their first World Cup in 1986, Christophersen watched with his dad. He remembers the 6-1 final score of a group-stage victory over Uruguay. He remembers the funny-looking hats with hands on top that could be pulled together with string to make a clapping motion. And he remembers the Roligans.
That was the nickname given to the Danish fans, who were viewed as the opposite of hooligans. The Danish word “rolig” means calm, and Christophersen, who’s the head of press, culture and public diplomacy at the Danish Embassy, said fans of his national team still fit that mold.