Eigil Nielsen

Who was Eigil Nielsen?

Eigil Louis Marius Ferdinand Nielsen, known simply as Eigil Nielsen was a Danish amateur football player in the goalkeeper position, who played 28 games for the Denmark national football team and won a bronze medal with Denmark at the 1948 Summer Olympics. He played his club football with KB.

Originally from Esbjerg, Eigil Nielsen was not selected for the Danish national team, until he moved to Copenhagen club Kjøbenhavns Boldklub. At KB, Eigil impressed with his quickness, judgement of ball-flight, and long-range goal kicks. He made his debut for the Danish national team in October 1940, but did enjoy a prolonged run in the team until 1947. He was the starting goalkeeper at the 1948 Summer Olympics, where his long-rage goal kick served as an in-direct assist for one of John Hansen's goals in the 5-3 defeat of the Italy national football team. Denmark won bronze medals at the tournament, and Eigil Nielsen was considered on par with legendary goalkeeper Svend Jensen; a status not equalled until Peter Schmeichel in the 1990's. Eigil Nielsen played his 28th and last international game in October 1951.