Published: June 21, 2021 10:37 pm
Last Updated: June 21, 2021 10:42 pm
Denmark’s impressive victory over Russia on Monday evening proved significant in far more than simply sealing the nation’s spot in the knockout rounds of the European Championships.
Danes march on
This evening’s latest round of Euro 2020 fixtures saw Group B come to a close.
Belgium faced off with Finland, whilst Denmark welcomed Russia to the Parken Stadium, in the knowledge that, despite having not yet picked up a point at the tournament, a victory would guide them through to the Last-16.
And, when all was said and done in Copenhagen, this is precisely what came to pass.
A remarkable 90 minutes, during which the Russians sprung a brief scare twenty minutes from time, eventually saw hosts Denmark emerge on the right side of a 4-1 scoreline.
Mikkel Damsgaard and Andreas Christensen bagged the pick of the goals, both fine right-footed strikes from distance:
🚀Andreas Christensen with an absolute rocket!
😍Just look at what it means to #DEN!#EURO2020 #DEN #RUS
pic.twitter.com/BnQoIlqrsL— SPORF (@Sporf) June 21, 2021
The Danes’ victory, meanwhile, was coupled with a 2-0 Belgium downing of Finland, courtesy of Lukas Hradecky’s unfortunate own goal, and a trademark strike from Romelu Lukaku.
This, in turn, meant that all of the Finns, Russia and Denmark finished on three points in Group B, with the latter’s +1 goal difference having seen them march on.
A brilliant night for not only Kasper Hjulmand’s men, but all of football, just over a week on from Christian Eriksen’s frightening cardiac arrest.
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK – JUNE 12: Christian Eriksen of Denmark gestures during the UEFA EURO 2020 Group B match between Denmark and Finland at Parken Stadium on June 12, 2021 in Copenhagen, Denmark. (Photo by Lars Ronbog / FrontZoneSport via Getty Images)
Scottish boost
Remarkably, as well as making sure of their own spot in the competition’s knockout rounds, Denmark’s 3-point haul this evening actually also assured a further 5 nations of their Euro 2020 advancement.
The sides in question? The Czech Republic, England, France, Sweden and Switzerland.
CONFIRMED!
Czech Republic, England, France, Sweden and Switzerland all qualify for the #Euro2020 round of 16.
Switzerland finished third on 4 points, while the other teams at worst will finish third on 4 points, and 4 points is guaranteed to be good enough in third.
— Dale Johnson (@DaleJohnsonESPN) June 21, 2021
Developments in Group B provided a boost to the likes of Scotland and Croatia, too, ahead of their showdown in 24 hours’ time.
This comes with any nation who ultimately finish 3rd in their group table, whilst securing four points, now guaranteed of a spot in the competition’s next round:
It also means there are updated permutations for a few teams.
Guaranteed to qualify in third with a win on 4 points:
Croatia, Hungary, ScotlandGuaranteed to qualify in third with a draw on 4 points:
Germany, Portugal, Slovakia— Dale Johnson (@DaleJohnsonESPN) June 21, 2021
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