Denmark’s journey at Euro 2020 is on the brink of coming to an end as they lost their second consecutive game in Group B after losing 2-1 to Belgium last evening in Copenhagen.
Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen is in hospital after he collapsed on the pitch at the same venue during Saturday’s loss against Finland. Tributes were paid to Denmark’s number 10 before and during the game. Play was stopped in the 10th minute as players, officials and supporters joined together for a minute’s applause.
Denmark had a dream start as RB Leipzig striker Yussuf Poulsen gave the hosts the lead after just 99 seconds into the game. He slotted home after a defensive error by Belgium.
De Bruyne stars for Belgium
Premier League players’ player of the year Kevin De Bruyne was sent on at the start of the second half. The Manchester City midfielder tilted the game in Belgium’s favour.
He assisted Belgium’s equaliser as he received a pass from Romelu Lukaku. He superbly picked out Thorgan Hazard who made no mistake in firing home after 54 minutes.
De Bruyne then scored a world-class goal in the 70th minute. This proved to be the winner in a challenging game for the world’s number 1 side.
Barcelona forward Martin Braithwaite almost had a late equaliser for Denmark but his header skimmed the top of the crossbar. This meant that it was going to end up being two losses in two games for the home side.
Denmark in trouble
Belgium stay on top of Group B with six points from two games. Denmark, on the other hand, are at the bottom of the standings with no wins and zero points.
Both sets of fans showed their support for Inter Milan midfielder Eriksen with messages to him on banners in the stands. The conclusion of the Danish national anthem was greeted with a huge roar as well.
A poor clearance by Jason Denayer was pounced upon by Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. He quickly found Poulsen who slotted home the first goal.
Belgium had brushed aside Russia 3-0 in their group opener, However, they just could not get going against the Danes. The introduction of De Bruyne changed all that as he turned the game on its head.
The midfielder has recently recovered from a fractured nose and eye socket but his return and performance from off the bench will give the Belgians a real boost heading into the knockout rounds.
Belgium has never won a major international tournament and is the first team to be ranked #1 in the world without having any major silverware to its name. The Red Devils will be hopeful of changing things at Euro 2020.
