Morten Rutkjær Reflects on Greenland’s Journey at the Amateur National Teams Nations Cup
Morten Rutkjær, the national coach of Greenland’s men’s football team, has just returned from an eventful international tournament in Austria. From October 5 to 8, the squad competed in the 2025 Amateur National Teams Nations Cup, facing formidable B national teams from both Austria and Slovenia.
The matches were no walk in the park, but the Greenlandic players rose to the challenge, demonstrating skills and determination that earned them respect on the pitch.
“Our players need to be pushed to their limits,” Rutkjær remarked in an interview with AG. “They are used to dominating in Greenland, but for true development, we must measure ourselves against stronger opponents. That’s precisely what we encountered.”
Greenland’s tournament began with a tough 5-1 loss against Austria, yet Rutkjær believes that scoreline doesn’t reflect the entire narrative.
“I applaud their performance. The players exhibited remarkable effort. It’s crucial to remember that Austria’s players are in action year-round, while ours grapple with just three or four months of competition. Despite this, we showed we could hold our own,” he stated.
A Near Upset Against Slovenia
The final match against Slovenia was a rollercoaster. With the score knotted at 4-4 in the closing moments, Greenland had multiple opportunities to seize victory. Unfortunately, Slovenia scored during overtime, clinching a dramatic 5-4 win.
“It was a game we could have won, which is astonishing in itself,” Rutkjær shared. “We fought until the final whistle. Games like this are where we learn the most. We’re still in the developmental stage, and this proves we’re heading in the right direction.”
Building a Future for Greenlandic Football
The tournament is more than just a series of matches; it forms part of a broader initiative to elevate Greenlandic football onto the international stage.
“Greenland sits at the bottom of football’s hierarchy, but we’re working hard and aspire to participate in a real World Cup qualification someday. This tournament was an important step for us,” Rutkjær explained.
Despite two losses, the team returned home with their heads held high, enriched by invaluable experience.
“The players have shown they can compete against teams that appear significantly stronger on paper. That’s a promising sign for our future,” he emphasized firmly.
As the final whistle blew, marking the end of the tournament—and indeed, the football season—Rutkjær reflected on the emotional farewells.
“I’m genuinely saddened that this chapter is closing, as I won’t see the team again until spring. They are more than just players; they are my family,” he admitted, smiling.
As the dust settles on this year’s competition, one thing remains clear: Greenland is making progress—step by step, match by match.