German coach, Sepp Piontek, who turned into a national icon in Denmark after turning the Red-and-Whites into a team that could compete for the World Cup, has passed away, 85 years old. Piontek died after a short period of illness, it is said.

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.

"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."