- Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel wins 2018 Danish Player of the Year
- The Leicester City shot-stopper saved three penalties for Denmark at the 2018 FIFA World Cup
- Schmeichel thanked his nation’s fans after picking up the accolade
The Leicester City goalkeeper saved three penalties in Denmark’s 2018 FIFA World Cup Last-16 tie with eventual finalists Croatia.
Schmeichel first denied Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modrić late in the second period of extra-time, before saving from Milan Badelj and Josip Pivaric from 12 yards in the resulting shootout.
While Croatia won 3-2 on penalties, the City No.1 earned plenty of plaudits for his displays in Russia, having also kept clean sheets in the group stages against Peru and France.
He conceded only two goals in 390 minutes of World Cup action.
Thanking Denmark’s fans on Instagram, Schmeichel wrote: “It is a huge honour to have won Danish Player of the Year. I would like to thank my wife and children and all my family for the help, understanding and support you give me.
“To my coaches and team mates and all the Danish fans, thank you for your votes and your support, it means more than you know! I will always give everything I have to make you proud.
“The support we as a national team felt throughout the World Cup and in the time after was absolutely incredible! It is always the ultimate honour to represent Danmak and the disappointment of being knocked out of the World Cup still hurts.
“However, as a national team we have had a really good year and we have a really exciting time ahead of us. As I have always said, accolades like this brings expectations and I will as always do everything I can to live up to the expectations.”
Congratulations, Kasper!