Greenland Flag Displayed at Olympic Hockey Game as Symbol of European Unity
In a striking display of solidarity, fans raised the flag of Greenland during the men's ice hockey preliminary round game between the United States and Denmark at the Winter Olympics on Saturday. This gesture was explicitly framed as a show of European support for Greenland and Denmark, occurring against a backdrop of recent political rhetoric concerning the island's sovereignty.
Fans Explain Their Motivations for the Flag Display
Vita Kalniņa and her husband, Alexander Kalniņš, Latvian hockey enthusiasts residing in Germany, were responsible for unfurling a large Greenland flag. They displayed it during the warmups and again when Denmark scored the opening goal in their 6-3 loss to the United States in Milan.
"We are Europeans and I think as Europeans we must hold together," Alexander Kalniņš told the Associated Press. "The Greenlandic people decide what will happen with Greenland, but as it is now, Greenland is a part of the Danish kingdom and, as Greenland is a part of Denmark as in this case, we support both countries against the US."
Other spectators at the game echoed sentiments that sports should transcend politics, despite recent diplomatic tensions between the United States and Denmark over Greenland. These tensions have been fueled by rhetoric from former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding potential control of the island, which has, in turn, stirred national pride in Denmark.
The Political and Olympic Context of the Greenland Flag
Greenland's red-and-white flag, known as the Erfalasorput, is not officially recognized at the Olympic Games. The International Olympic Committee only permits flags of independent sovereign states, and Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
Nevertheless, throughout the first week of the Milano Cortina Olympics, fans have brought the Greenland flag to various venues. It was notably waved in the grandstands at Anterselva, where Greenland's only two athletes at the Games competed in biathlon.
The Game Itself: United States Secures Victory
The matchup between the United States and Denmark in the men's hockey tournament provided no extra political motivation for the players on the ice. While "U-S-A! U-S-A!" chants resonated from the predominantly American crowd, the geopolitical situation did not influence the play.
Multiple Denmark players had previously downplayed any connection between the Greenland issue and the hockey game. However, the contest allowed Denmark to channel a wave of patriotism as significant underdogs.
Danish forward Nick Olesen was credited with the opening goal after a puck was accidentally knocked into the U.S. net by Zach Werenski. Matt Boldy equalized for the Americans just two minutes later. Nicholas B. Jensen then put Denmark ahead 2-1 with a remarkable shot from 95 feet away, beating U.S. goaltender Jeremy Swayman.
The United States rallied to take control in the second period. Goals from Brady Tkachuk and Jack Eichel gave them the lead, which was extended by Noah Hanifin. Jake Guentzel and Brady Tkachuk added further goals in the third period to secure a 6-3 victory for the Americans.
With this win, following a 5-1 triumph over Latvia in their opener, the United States now has six points in the standings, tying them with Canada. The final day of the preliminary round will see the U.S. face Germany, while Canada plays France. The top spot in the single-elimination knockout round could be determined by goal differential if both teams win in regulation.
