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Rob DawsonReporter
It could also be tempting to suppose that Denmark is using a wave of goodwill at those European Championships when the sector noticed Christian Eriksson cave in at the pitch 3 weeks in the past, however his run within the Euro 2020 semi-finals is extra than simply future. And fairy stories.
There was once not anything mysterious about their 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic on Saturday. Denmark are excellent avid gamers, well-trained by means of Kasper Hjulmund, and in a position to scoring prime quality targets and protecting with equivalent endurance. Denmark is ranked because the tenth perfect staff on the earth for a explanation why.
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Still, what they’ve been in a position to reach with out their perfect participant, Ericsson, is exceptional. The Danish avid gamers have been in tears as they warmed as much as resume their opening game with Finland when Ericsson was once observed leaving the pitch on a stretcher, slightly mindful. Many of them, it seems that, have been taking a 1-0 loss by means of wonder. However, there was once power and resolution towards the Czechs and there have been tears of a distinct sort at the ultimate whistle.
Prior to the match, Denmark had now not received a knockout game on the Euros since successful in 1992, once they have been requested to interchange Yugoslavia on every week’s understand. Now they wait for the semi-finals at Wembley. They have already received there as soon as this season, beating England 1–0 within the Nations League in October.
An individual or workforce of low caliber? Yes. Rank outsiders? no likelihood.
Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel later mentioned, “It’s hard to put into words.”
“The Czech Republic are an extremely difficult team to play against. We played well in the first half, but the second was difficult. We can fight and fight, and we did. It was a huge relief when the final whistle came.”
Thomas Delaney, who performed within the sweltering warmth in Baku, Azerbaijan, gave Denmark the fitting get started after 5 mins with a header from Jens Strieger Larsen’s nook angled into the online. Replays confirmed the Czech Republic will have to were given a objective kick after the ball got here off Kasper Dolberg, however not anything was once fortunate about Denmark’s 2nd.
Joaquim Mahle was once despatched working to the left simply ahead of half-time, and the outdoor of his proper boot, folded right into a move, was once met by means of a cushioned volley from Dolberg on the again submit.
Dolberg was once adopted by means of one of the most greatest golf equipment in Europe in his teenagers at Ajax. Now 23 and taking part in with Nice in France, he’s the usage of the euro to remind everybody what all of the fuss was once about. He has began two video games, scored 3 targets and can indubitably characteristic within the squad towards both England or Ukraine at Wembley on Wednesday.
Patrik Schick’s 5th objective of the match – a artful volley into the a ways nook – gave the Czech Republic hope that they might make the similar comebacks as Croatia towards Spain and Switzerland towards France, however Denmark controlled like them in the second one 1/2. . Have come to this place 1000 occasions ahead of.
The again 3 fired what in the end become an air raid, and Denmark will have added a minimum of another in the event that they have been extra medical at the brakes.
“Denmark is a great team,” mentioned Czech Republic captain Vladimir Darida. “He defended well, and the opening target helped his strategy. He’s very hard to reach. It’s just a pity.
“There is not anything we will have to feel embarrassment about. We confirmed excellent efficiency, combating spirit, we fought like lions at our height. That was once obtrusive in today’s fit as effectively.
“It’s a pity we couldn’t match, because I believe it would have changed our course.”
Without its celebrity guy Ericsson, Denmark’s energy lies in collectivism. Mahle’s move for Dolberg’s objective was once one of the crucial passes of the match, however there was once extra within the efficiency that would not make the spotlight reel. Andreas Christensen risked a bloody nostril to problem Tomas Susek and save you West Ham midfielder from going into the draw, and Schmeichel was once working in Tomas Holes to seal a falling alternative.
Dolberg’s end was once very good, however so was once his preventing header to transparent a take a look at unfastened kick from his close to submit, after which his dash out to dam the move afterwards. Denmark in Euros does not lack enhance, however they do not lack skill and paintings ethic, both.
Getting to the closing 4 of a giant match calls for greater than only a excellent tale. Their position top-of-the-line of Europe is easily deserved.
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