Belgium overcame Denmark’ challenge by winning 2-1 after a pretty hard-fought encounter in Copenhagen in the Group B game of Euro 2020.
Yussuf Poulsen gave an early lead to Kasper Hjulmand’s side after capitalising on a bad mistake from Jason Denayer. But, the Red Devils showed their attacking strength in the second half. Thorgan Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne scored two quick-fire goals to secure the qualification for the knock-out stage.
With this victory, Belgium now won the first two games and earned six points. In addition to that, Roberto Martínez’s side strengthened the first place finish before meeting Finland in the last group game.
On the other hand, Denmark are in danger of being eliminated from the Euro 2020 in the group phase after suffering back to back defeats in the first two games. And Hjulmand’s side will have to beat Russia in the final group game to keep a faint hope alive to qualify for the knock-out stage.
Denmark 1-2 Belgium team news:
Danish manager changed the formation from 4-3-3 to 3-5-2 for this game following the absence of Christian Eriksen, and 20-year-old Mikkel Damsgaard replaced the Inter Milan midfielder.
Hjulmand made two changes in the starting line-up from the defeat to Finland and defender Jannik Vestergaard started the game in place of forward Jonas Wind.
Roberto Martínez went with 3-4-2-1 formation and made two changes from the game against Russia. Thomas Meunier came into the side for injured Timothy Castagne and Jason Denayer started in defence for Dedryck Boyata.
Denmark 1-2 Belgium Post-match analysis:
Denmark had a dream start to the game. By taking full advantage of Denayer’s misplaced pass, RB Leipzig forward Poulsen scored the opener before the clock even passed the two minutes mark.
The early goal gave huge confidence to Denmark’s players and the backing of 26000 spectators also injected well-needed enthusiasm. They closed down Belgium very quickly and didn’t allow Martínez’s side to settle down in the game.
The two sides stopped the game at the 10th-minute mark to give a tribute to Eriksen who suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch against Finland.
In the second half, the Belgium manager brought Kevin De Bruyne on the field. And later Eden Hazard was also introduced by Roberto Martínez, and these two substitutions changed the game completely.
Romelu Lukaku went through from the right-wing after Vestergaard initially failed to control a ball. And Simon Kjaer failed to keep up with the Belgian’s pace. The Inter forward’s cut-back found De Bruyne, whose disguise cross fell onto Hazard’s path and the Borussia Dortmund winger put the ball into an open net.
Soon after the equaliser, Belgium went ahead in the game against Denmark. Following an eye-catching build-up play from the Belgian attacking players. A square pass found De Bruyne on the left, and the Manchester City man’s first time shot off his left foot went straight into the back of the net.
Notable Performances:
Kevin De Bruyne: The Manchester City player was the main reason for the victory against Denmark. Provided a great assist for the equaliser and scored a great goal to earn all three points.
Romelu Lukaku: The former Manchester United forward has developed excellently at Inter under Antonio Conte. Lukaku looked threatening and Denmark captain Kjaer had to foul him multiple times to stop the 28-year-old.
Mikkel Damsgaard: The 20-year-old Sampdoria youngster was energetic and caused the most trouble for Belgium defence.
Belgium will play against Finland at Saint Petersburg in the last game of the group stage on Monday. And Denmark will meet Russia in Copenhagen at the same time.
