The former Werder Bremen defender who helped revolutionize Danish football in the 1980s, Sepp Piontek, has died at the age of 85, his family says to TV2.dk.
Piontek died after a short period of illness, it says.
Piontek took over as national coach in 1979 and led Denmark to the semi-finals of the European Championship in 1984 and qualified Denmark for the World Cup for the first time in 1986.
Peter Moller, football director of the Danish Football Federation, attributes great credit to Sepp Piontek for the development of Danish football.
"It is with great sadness that we have received the news that former national coach Sepp Piontek has passed away."
"In 1979, Sepp Piontek was appointed national coach of Denmark, and it was the beginning of a new era. Under Sepp's leadership, the Danish national team took great steps forward and qualified for the European Championship in 1984, where Denmark thrilled the entire football world with its offensive and courageous play."
"Sepp also led the team at the World Cup in Mexico in 1986, where Denmark participated in a World Cup finals for the first time and created unforgettable moments with three wins in the group stage. Here, the 6-1 victory over Uruguay still stands out brightly for all of us football lovers."