Copenhagen: Denmark dazzled their way into the Euro 2020 pre-quarterfinals with an emphatic 4-1 win over Russia in a Group B encounter at the Parken Stadium on Monday. After two back-to-back disappointing performances and an unlucky catastrophe that struck in the opener, this result comes in as motivation for the whole team for the rest of the tournament.
Elsewhere, Austria reached the knockouts for the first time with a 1-0 win over Ukraine, thanks to Christoph Baumgartner. Expectedly, Belgium defeated Finland 2-0 to remain at the top of Group B, followed by Denmark and Finland. On the other hand, a Georginio Wijnaldum brace helped Netherlands stay at the top of Group C defeating North Macedonia 3-0.
The crowd in Copenhagen stood beside the home side as they went ecstatic with joy after an emotional start to the season. Christian Eriksen’s collapse in the opener had a huge impact on the side. Mikkel Damsgaard’s strike put the Danes ahead on 38 minutes.
Yussuf Poulsen doubled the lead at the stroke of an hour-mark after he got hold of a sloppy back pass from Roman Zobnin. Artyom Dzyuba reduced the margin for Russia on 70 minutes from the spot. Andreas Christensen made it 3-1 for Denmark nine minutes later before Joakim Maehle put the final nail on the coffin on 82 minutes.
Elsewhere at Bucharest, Baumgartner’s 21st-minute strike helped Austria secure second place in Group C to sail into the next round. The 21-year-old midfielder scored from David Alaba’s assist but had to be subbed off due to a blow to his head. Ukraine too weren’t up to the mark helping Austria on their way.
For the Belgians, Roberto Martinez made quite a few changes for his side going up against Finland. Having already secured their knockout spot, Belgium dominated the possession before an own goal from Lukas Hradecky broke the deadlock on 74 minutes.
Finland goalkeeper Hradecky fumbled with a Thomas Vermaelen header thus putting the ball in his own net giving Belgium the lead. Romelu Lukaku sealed the deal for Belgium with an 83rd-minute strike to clinch the victory.
At Amsterdam Arena, Memphis Depay, who recently joined Barcelona put the Dutch ahead on 24 minutes. The outcome of the game could have been different had Ivan Trickovski’s goal not ruled out for offside. Wijnaldum put more misery on North Macedonia with a brace within seven minutes (51st, 58th). North Macedonia were unlucky once again when a goal was ruled out due to offside on 74 minutes.
