Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand is hopeful Amsterdam’s Christian Eriksen link can give his side the edge in their last 16 clash with Wales on Saturday.
The Amsterdam ArenA plays host to the Denmark-Wales Round of 16 encounter, where Eriksen previously played his club football with Ajax.
Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest in Denmark’s opening game, a 1-0 loss to Finland, and the side have been riding a wave of emotion ever since, dramatically reaching the knockouts with a 4-1 win over Russia.
“We’re playing at Christian’s old home and we’re so excited to give it our all against Wales,” Hjulmand said.
“If there’s a club outside Denmark that means something for Danish football it is Ajax.
“They have always been developing and improving Danish players, so there is a huge connection between Amsterdam – and especially Ajax – and Danish football.
“We have three players from there and Christian was 16 when he came to Ajax.
“I could keep mentioning players who were discovered in Denmark and starred for Ajax.
“I know the philosophy they have behind their football and it is something I respect a lot.”
Wales reached the semi-finals of the 2016 European Championships and the Danes are expecting a tough challenge.
“I respect Wales, what they have done during these last years, but at the same time we feel comfortable with what we do and the quality we have,” Hjulmand said.
