He scored the goal of his career in Bucharest, in a nightmare match for the “tricolors”, and now he is demanding the resignation of the selector: “A gigantic failure”
Article by Alexandru Stanciu – Published on Wednesday, 19 November 2025 23:45 / Updated on Thursday, 20 November 2025 00:04
Thomas Gravesen (49), a former Denmark international with 66 caps for the senior national team, has called for the resignation of coach Brian Riemer (47) after Denmark's disastrous preliminary campaign.
The Danes missed out on top spot in their 2026 World Cup qualifying group after losing 4-2 away to Scotland. Riemer's side needed at least a draw to qualify directly for the final tournament, but were let down by two extra-time goals.
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Denmark is one of the possible opponents of the Romanian national team for the semi-final of the play-off for the 2026 World Championship. The other teams that can meet Mircea Lucescu's team are Turkey, Ukraine and Italy.
Thomas Gravesen calls for the dismissal of Brian Riemer from the Danish national team:
Thomas Gravesen, a former player at teams such as Real Madrid, Celtic, Hamburg and Everton, criticized Brian Riemer harshly after Denmark missed out on direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
“Brian Riemer has had a disastrous approach in the last two games. He underestimated the opponent and did the team all wrong. When you are a coach you have to use the best players, you don't have to manage anyone. The players must be used to their full potential and the club can rest.
To me, Brian Riemer was a colossal failure, a colossal disaster. It failed on all counts. It's a disaster of a caliber I've never seen before. It is simply unacceptable,” said Thomas Gravesen, according to The Sun.
Thomas Gravesen. Photo: Imago Images
Denmark drew 2-2 at home to Belarus and gave Scotland a chance in the head-to-head, although the British lost in the penultimate leg away to Greece 2-3.
Scotland pulled off an upset at home to Denmark, winning the match 4–2, and qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1998.
Thomas Gravesen shocked in Bucharest in 2003: the photo from GSP captured by photojournalist Cristi Preda went around the world
Thomas Gravesen is the man who scored the goal of his career even against Romania. In 2003, in Romania – Denmark, final score 2-5, on the sand of the “Naţional” stadium, the Nordic scored from the middle of the field, in the 53rd minute of the match played in the EURO 2004 preliminaries.
Recognized as an eccentric footballer, Gravesen did not shy away from showing his penis during the training that his national team performed before the match in Bucharest.
Thomas Gravesen, during training in Bucharest. Photo: Cristi Preda (GSP)
Gravesen pulled out his penis above the head of teammate Claus Jensen, and the image, captured by GSP photojournalist Cristi Preda, was broadcast by the media around the world.
