PETER SCHMEICHEL (1992)

 THE great big Dane had been bought by Alex Ferguson the year before for £505,000 in what the Man Utd managed called the “bargain of the century.”

 Denmark were not even supposed to be in the tournament but took the place of war-torn Yugoslavia and somehow contrived to win it.

 That was due in no small way to their goalkeeper, who was in inspired form throughout.

 Schmeichel even saved a penalty kick from Marco van Basten as the tournament favourites and holders, Holland, were beaten in the semi.

 The fairytale continued for the keeper with a clean sheet in a 2-0 final triumph over Germany.

 Never shy on confidence, Schmeichel’s ego received a further boost when he was voted the world's best goalkeeper later in the year.

SAFE HANDS ... Peter Schmeichel hugs Kim Christofte after Denmark beat Holland in penalty shoot-out

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