Denmark honour pledge to Christian Eriksen with stunning display to set up last 16 tie with Wales
Denmark take lead in the first half through stunning Mikel Damsgaard strike
Danes dominate after the break, scoring three goals in impressive attacking display
After such an emotionally charged tournament, with memories of Christian Eriksen’s collapse still painfully raw, Denmark have responded with incredible spirit to extend their Euro 2020 adventure.
Denmark will face Wales on Saturday evening after achieving the objective of advancing to the knockout stages, a reward for a brilliant performance at the scene of Eriksen’s cardiac arrest.
With Eriksen recovering after being discharged from hospital, it was fitting that a goal of individual brilliance from Mikkel Damsgaard set the Danes on their way towards an enthralling victory, evoking memories of the Inter Milan midfielder at his best.
Damsgaard delivered a moment which will resonate in Denmark’s footballing history, with the winger becoming the nation’s youngest ever goalscorer at a major tournament at the age of 20 years and 353 days.
Nicknamed “Damsinho” due to his Brazilian style of play, Damsgaard’s goal lit up a vibrant Parken Stadium as Denmark went on to secure a comfortable victory, with three second-half goals claiming second place in Group B.
This was for Eriksen, as the Danes displayed huge character in extreme adversity, and Wales will unquestionably face a nation emerging as favourites for the neutral.
Denmark’s victory also proved popular in England, with the thrashing of Russia enough to guarantee Gareth Southgate a place in the last 16.
Kasper Hjulmand, Denmark's head coach, has guided his players superbly to spark joyous scenes in the capital on Monday night. said: “I have huge admiration for these players.
“I have seen how affected they have been but they have picked themselves up again.
“I also have great gratitude to Denmark and the population. They have really taken care of us, and given us wings. Without all the fans, this would not have been possible.”
Returning to the scene of such a traumatic and emotional incident could have proven difficult, yet Denmark’s players have been energised at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen.
WHAT IS THIS MADNESS!!!
Watch and listen on the BBC https://t.co/XraUz1fsnJ#RUSDEN #Euro2020 #bbceuro2020 pic.twitter.com/dhyeL19Lwv— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) June 21, 2021
With the backing of their noisy supporters, Denmark have underlined their unbreakable togetherness to perform admirably in the games against Belgium and now Russia.
Though their tournament has been full of emotion, Denmark had still not scored a goal at Euro 2020 before this meeting with Russia.
With Russia compact and defensively well-organised, this was likely to be a tricky assignment despite the obvious merits of home advantage.
Yet Denmark were monopolising possession and this was a game that was always going to require patience in their bid to make the breakthrough.
It was worth the wait, with the opening goal coming seven minutes before half-time.
It was an exquisite strike from Damsgaard, with the Sampdoria winger taking the ball just outside the penalty area to sidestep Georgi Dzhikiya and then bend a shot into the top corner.
The roar around the stadium was deafening.
Denmark were dominant in the second-half, with the atmosphere elevating their players to another level.
They were gifted the second goal just before the hour, after a calamitous defensive moment for Russia.
Daler Kuzyaev attempted to pass the ball back to goalkeeper Matvei Safonov but got it all horribly wrong, presenting Yussuf Poulsen with a simple finish from close-range.
Six minutes later, Denmark’s supporters endured a complete turnaround in emotions, as joyous scenes unfolded as news filtered through of a Belgium goal.
That goal was subsequently disallowed after a Var check and then, 20 minutes from time, Russia were back in the game after Vestergaard fouled Alexander Sobolev in the area.
Artem Dzyuba converted the penalty past Kasper Schmeichel and the tension was now palpable. The topsy-turvy nature of the night continued, as Belgium took the lead in St Petersburg to lift Denmark up into second place in the group.
Chelsea’s Andreas Christensen then claimed a third goal with an emphatic strike, after a crazy sequence of play in the Russia area.
Safonov denied Martin Braithwaite and substitute Jens Stryger Larsen with two fine saves in two seconds before Christensen thumped the loose ball into the corner from 25 yards.
The excellent Joakim Maehle added a fourth eight minutes from the end with a low strike, taking full advantage of some tired Russia defending.
After such a defiant response to the Eriksen tragedy, Denmark will prove obdurate opponents for Wales in Amsterdam this weekend.
09:20 PMThat's all from me...
That's all from me...
What a match and what a night for Denmark! Read John Percy's match report for a full recap of this evening's events.
09:15 PMHistory made by Denmark...
History made by Denmark...
Denmark are the first team in European Championship history to reach the knockout stages of the competition having lost their first two group stage games.
09:11 PMHere is the moment Denmark found out they qualified
That special moment 🤩🤩#RUS 1-4 #DEN #bbceuro2020 #Euro2020 #bbcfootball #RUSDEN pic.twitter.com/Mn4PmIUKKq
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) June 21, 2021
08:59 PMThe crowd is going wild in Copenhagen
Here is the moment Denmark found out they qualified
That special moment 🤩🤩#RUS 1-4 #DEN #bbceuro2020 #Euro2020 #bbcfootball #RUSDEN pic.twitter.com/Mn4PmIUKKq
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) June 21, 2021
08:59 PMThe crowd is going wild in Copenhagen
The crowd is going wild in Copenhagen
The players are celebrating with the fans and no doubt they are all thinking of Christian Eriksen! From such a low in the first game to such a high now! Remarkable.
08:56 PMDenmark pulled it out of the bag when they needed to!
4 - Denmark have scored 4+ goals in a match at a major tournament for the first time since the 1998 World Cup, in a 4-1 victory vs Nigeria. Fantastic. #RUSDEN
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 21, 2021
08:54 PMEngland's place in the last-16 is also confirmed
Denmark pulled it out of the bag when they needed to!
4 - Denmark have scored 4+ goals in a match at a major tournament for the first time since the 1998 World Cup, in a 4-1 victory vs Nigeria. Fantastic. #RUSDEN
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 21, 2021
08:54 PMEngland's place in the last-16 is also confirmed
England's place in the last-16 is also confirmed
Good news ahead of tomorrow night's match with the Czech Repbublic.
08:53 PMIt is confirmed!
It is confirmed!
Denmark are through in second place! Russia are out! Finland will have to wait and see if three points are enough.
Denmark will face Wales in the last-16!
08:49 PMDenmark are into the last-16 (once the Belgium game reaches full time...)
Denmark are into the last-16 (once the Belgium game reaches full time...)
What a turnaround for the Danes!
08:49 PMFULL TIME: Russia 1 Denmark 4
FULL TIME: Russia 1 Denmark 4
Cornelius holds up the ball in the box, winning a corner. And another, much to the delight of the raucous crowd.
08:46 PM90 min: Russia 1 Denmark 4
90 min: Russia 1 Denmark 4
Denmark are spraying the ball around with the crowd cheering every pass. I'm sure Christian Eriksen will be enjoying this very much.
Three minutes of added time awarded.
08:45 PM89 min: Russia 1 Denmark 4
89 min: Russia 1 Denmark 4
Denmark come again, winning a free kick in a dangerous area for a cross. The cross is headed clear, however.
08:42 PM86 min: Russia 1 Denmark 4
86 min: Russia 1 Denmark 4
Denmark are making plenty of changes now, giving the big guns a rest. What a night this has been in Copenhagen! The atmosphere is electric.
08:40 PM84 min: Russia 1 Denmark 4
84 min: Russia 1 Denmark 4
Things just got better for Denmark... Belgium are 2-0 against Finland. Denmark look set to go through in second place!
Maehle wins a corner.
08:39 PMGOOOOOOOAAAAAAL! Maehle Russia 1 Denmark 4
GOOOOOOOAAAAAAL! Maehle Russia 1 Denmark 4
Denmark have four! Maehle streaks down the left wing. He takes his time, ignoring the options in front of him and curling the ball into the bottom corner.
The Danes are in a fabulous position now!
08:37 PM81 min: Russia 1 Denmark 3
81 min: Russia 1 Denmark 3
That goal means Denmark's goal difference is now better than Finland. They just need Belgium to stay in front in the other game.
08:36 PMGOOOOOOOAAAAAAL! Christensen Russia 1 Denmark 3
GOOOOOOOAAAAAAL! Christensen Russia 1 Denmark 3
Denmark strike again! After a scramble in the box, the ball falls to Christensen who hammers into the back of the net from outside the box! The defender absolutely nailed it. The keeper could not deal with the power!
08:35 PM78 min: Russia 1 Denmark 2
78 min: Russia 1 Denmark 2
Denmark send a free kick towards the back post and is headed behind for a corner. Christensen directs a powerful header towards goal which forces an excellent save.
08:33 PM77 min: Russia 1 Denmark 2
77 min: Russia 1 Denmark 2
The crowd is going wild again... Belgium have now taken the lead! Things are looking good for Denmark once again!
08:30 PM75 min: Russia 1 Denmark 2
75 min: Russia 1 Denmark 2
The corner is sent into the front post Safonov tries to claim it. He fails to do so and a scramble ensues before the ball is kicked away.
08:29 PM73 min: Russia 1 Denmark 2
73 min: Russia 1 Denmark 2
The momentum has changed and now Russia are on the front foot, sending wave after wave of attack.
Denmark then counter down the left, winning a corner.
08:26 PMGOOOOOOAAAAAAAL! Dzyuba Russia 1 Denmark 2
GOOOOOOAAAAAAAL! Dzyuba Russia 1 Denmark 2
Dzyuba will take it... and he scores! He puts is straight down the middle!
Game on!
08:25 PMPENALTY TO RUSSIA!
PENALTY TO RUSSIA!
The goal has been ruled out in the Belgium game! Finland are still ahead of Denmark! And in this game, Vestegaard commits a foul six yards out!
It all gone badly wrong for Denmark.
08:23 PM67 min: Russia 0 Denmark 2
67 min: Russia 0 Denmark 2
The free kick is whipped to the back post and is punched away unconvincingly by the keeper.
The stands erupt in Copenhagen for no apparent reason... which must mean Finland have conceded to Belgium? They have! Denmark are currently in second place!
08:21 PM65 min: Russia 0 Denmark 2
65 min: Russia 0 Denmark 2
Denmark are well on top with Russia unable to maintain possession.
They should score! Dolberg and Braithwaite link up intelligently but the substitute cannot stick it in the back of the net! He took too long and was tackled.
Kudryashov gives away a foul and is lucky to escape a second yellow.
08:19 PM62 min: Russia 0 Denmark 2
62 min: Russia 0 Denmark 2
There are changes aplenty for both sides as Russia look to find a way back into this game.
As it stands, Denmark would end up third in this group as Finland are drawing with Belgium.
08:16 PMGOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAL! Poulsen! Russia 0 Denmark 2
GOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAL! Poulsen! Russia 0 Denmark 2
Oh my word. A horrific back pass has handed Denmark a second goal. Kudryashov does not see Poulsen next to the keeper and passes it straight to him. The striker puts the ball into an empty net.
Wow. That was terrible play from Russia.
08:14 PM58 min: Russia 0 Denmark 1
58 min: Russia 0 Denmark 1
A speculative cross is lofted in towards Dzyuba but the Russian captain does not get off the ground to compete for it.
08:13 PM57 min: Russia 0 Denmark 1
57 min: Russia 0 Denmark 1
Poulsen puts in a tempting cross to the back post but it is headed clear.
Denmark attack again. Poulsen picks up the ball on the edge of the box. He attempts a curling shot but it is well blocked. Russia counter and Delaney is booked for pulling down Zobnin as he sprinted away.
08:10 PM54 min: Russia 0 Denmark 1
54 min: Russia 0 Denmark 1
Wass finds space in behind and lays it off to Braithwaite in the box. He should hit it first time but, instead, takes a touch and the chance is gone.
08:08 PM52 min: Russia 0 Denmark 1
52 min: Russia 0 Denmark 1
Damsgaard picks the ball up and is urged to go for goal by the crowd. He he elects to pass wide to Braithwaite who in turn finds Wass. Denmark are forced to turn back after some solid defending.
08:06 PM50 min: Russia 0 Denmark 1
50 min: Russia 0 Denmark 1
Now Kudryashov is down after both he and Hojbjerg went for a header. Play has stopped once again.
Both will return to the pitch after treatment.
08:03 PM47 min: Russia 0 Denmark 1
47 min: Russia 0 Denmark 1
Maehle goes down after a collision with Fernandes seconds into the half. Their kneecaps hit each other with some speed. Looks a painful one.
He is back on his feet after receiving some treatment.
08:01 PMThe second half is underway!
The second half is underway!
Denmark get us restarted in boisterous Copenhagen.
07:58 PMThe youngster is having some tournament!
20 - At 20 years and 353 days, Mikkel Damsgaard has become Denmark's youngest ever goalscorer at a major international tournament (World Cup and EURO). Cracker. #RUSDEN
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 21, 2021
07:50 PMHere is the game's stunning opener
WHAT. A. HIT!
Watch and listen on the BBC https://t.co/XraUz1fsnJ#RUSDEN #Euro2020 #bbceuro2020 pic.twitter.com/C1KgbnkHtW
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) June 21, 2021
07:47 PMDenmark have been the better side
The youngster is having some tournament!
20 - At 20 years and 353 days, Mikkel Damsgaard has become Denmark's youngest ever goalscorer at a major international tournament (World Cup and EURO). Cracker. #RUSDEN
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 21, 2021
07:50 PMHere is the game's stunning opener
WHAT. A. HIT!
Watch and listen on the BBC https://t.co/XraUz1fsnJ#RUSDEN #Euro2020 #bbceuro2020 pic.twitter.com/C1KgbnkHtW
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) June 21, 2021
07:47 PMDenmark have been the better side
Here is the game's stunning opener
WHAT. A. HIT!
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) June 21, 2021
Watch and listen on the BBC https://t.co/XraUz1fsnJ#RUSDEN #Euro2020 #bbceuro2020 pic.twitter.com/C1KgbnkHtW
07:47 PMDenmark have been the better side
Denmark have been the better side
Russia will need to come out of their shell, they started deep and Denmark have taken the lead.
07:46 PMHALF TIME: Russia 0 Denmark 1
HALF TIME: Russia 0 Denmark 1
That's the half. Advantage Denmark.
07:45 PM45 min: Russia 0 Denmark 1
45 min: Russia 0 Denmark 1
Braithwaite beats his opposite man with ease. The ball comes to Damsgaard put his cross ends up on the roof of the net.
There will be one minute of added time.
07:44 PM44 min: Russia 0 Denmark 1
44 min: Russia 0 Denmark 1
The stadium is jumping in Copenhagen. All the momentum is with Denmark while Russia look a little shell shocked.
07:41 PM41 min: Russia 0 Denmark 1
41 min: Russia 0 Denmark 1
Denmark come again, looking to double their lead. They win a corner. It comes to Vestergaard who wins the header. He nods across goal but Delaney cannot get the finishing touch.
07:39 PMGOOOOOOAAAAAAAL! Damsgaard! Russia 0 Denmark 1
GOOOOOOAAAAAAAL! Damsgaard! Russia 0 Denmark 1
What a goal!! Damsgaard picks up the ball 25 yards out. He takes a touch to his right and bends it into the top corner. The keeper had no chance!
The crowd has gone ballistic! Denmark are still alive in this tournament!
07:36 PM36 min: Russia 0 Denmark 0
36 min: Russia 0 Denmark 0
Maehler beats Fernandes with a lovely touch but his cross cannot find a team-mate.
07:33 PM33 min: Russia 0 Denmark 0
33 min: Russia 0 Denmark 0
The crowd is getting impatient with the Russians who are taking their time getting play restarted at every opportunity.
A long ball is played up to Dzyuba who wins the header. He finds Golovin but the low cross that follows is cleared.
The ball comes back to Golovin who fires a wild shot into the stands.
07:29 PM30 min: Russia 0 Denmark 0
30 min: Russia 0 Denmark 0
Damsgaard works his way into the Russian box but cannot quite keep control of the ball. Good attacking intent from the Danes so far, not a huge amount of quality in the final third.
Hojbjerg picks the ball up 30 yards from goal. He takes his time before launching a rocket just wide of the post! Wow, he hit that hard. The keeper was scrambling!
07:27 PM27 min: Russia 0 Denmark 0
27 min: Russia 0 Denmark 0
Russia win a free kick in the Danish half. A cross is lofted towards the back post but Denmark clear their lines.
Denmark counter and Kudryashov is booked for cleaning out Wass as both compete for a bouncing ball.
07:23 PM24 min: Russia 0 Denmark 0
24 min: Russia 0 Denmark 0
Kjaer is fouled as the corner comes into the box. Free kick. What a waste.
Delaney tries to work a one-two at the other end but commits a foul on Fernandes as he tries to collect it.
07:21 PM21 min: Russia 0 Denmark 0
21 min: Russia 0 Denmark 0
Russia form a dangerous counter attack. They have four on three but the ball is played the wrong way. They still win a corner.
07:18 PM18 min: Russia 0 Denmark 0
18 min: Russia 0 Denmark 0
Golovin picks up the ball and drives at the Danish defence. He beats Kjaer and Hojbjerg with some sharp footwork before driving a low shot at goal. Schmeichel just about keeps it out with his feet.
Best moment of the match so far for Russia.
07:15 PM15 min: Russia 0 Denmark 0
15 min: Russia 0 Denmark 0
Russia are camped deep in their half, struggling to find an out ball at the moment. It is a physical game, plenty of tackles flying in too. Largely legal at the moment.
07:12 PM12 min: Russia 0 Denmark 0
12 min: Russia 0 Denmark 0
Delaney makes a clever run in behind but cannot quite bring the ball down. It has been all Denmark so far.
Maehle then finds space on the left but Fernandes defends well, stopping the cross.
07:09 PM9 min: Russia 0 Denmark 0
9 min: Russia 0 Denmark 0
Braithwaite beats his man with ease, crossing into the box. The ball is stuck behind for a corner.
The ball is lofted to the back post but Christensen commits a foul as he goes for the ball.
07:07 PM7 min: Russia 0 Denmark 0
7 min: Russia 0 Denmark 0
Maehle gets to the byline and lofts a cross into the back post. The ball is headed clear but Denmark come again. The ball is switched back to Maehle but he loses control of the ball. Goal kick.
07:05 PM5 min: Russia 0 Denmark 0
5 min: Russia 0 Denmark 0
Dzyuba puts in a strong tackle on Kjaer who stays down. Physical start from the Russian captain.
It has been rather cagey thus far. Understandable with so much on the line.
07:02 PM2 min: Russia 0 Denmark 0
2 min: Russia 0 Denmark 0
The home support is incredibly vocal as Russia start the match possession, slowly working their way up the pitch.
07:00 PMHere we go!
Here we go!
Russia get us underway.
06:54 PMThe players are out onto the pitch in Copenhagen!
The players are out onto the pitch in Copenhagen!
The atmosphere is already lively. Flags flying aplenty among the Danish fans. Here come the national anthems...
06:47 PMCan Denmark pull a win out of the bag?
Can Denmark pull a win out of the bag?
Denmark have suffered defeat in each of their two group stage games at Euro 2020, losing 1-0 to Finland and 2-1 to Belgium. They have twice previously lost all three of their group games in a European Championships tournament, doing so at Euro 1988 and Euro 2000.
It has been a difficult tournament for Denmark for obvious reasons - but they are not out of it yet.
06:36 PMHere are this fixture's permutations
Here are this fixture's permutations
Russia will progress to the last 16 if they win, or if they draw and Finland fail to beat Belgium which is also taking place tonight.
If Finland lose, Denmark will qualify in second place as long as they win and score more than once.
Plenty to play for!
06:27 PMThis fixture has not happened very often...
This fixture has not happened very often...
Since the dissolution of the USSR, Russia and Denmark have only met once, in a friendly at Copenhagen’s Parken Stadium in February 2012. Russia won 2-0.
06:06 PMTeam news!
Team news!
No changes for Denmark from the side that lost to Belgium, while Mário Fernandes and Dzhikiya for Russia.
Russia: Safonov, Diveev, Kudryashov, Dzhikija, Fernandes, Ozdoev, Zobnin, Golovin, Kuzyaev, Miranchuk, Dzyuba.
Subs: Shunin, Karavaev, Semenov, Cheryshev, Barinov, Sobolev, Zabolotny, Dyupin, Zhemaletdinov, Ionov, Evgeniev, Mukhin.
Denmark: Schmeichel, Christensen, Kjaer, Vestergaard, Wass, Hojbjerg, Delaney, Maehle, Braithwaite, Damsgaard, Poulsen.
Subs: Andersen, Skov, Skov Olsen, Dolberg, Mathias Zanka Jorgensen, Norgaard, Lossl, Stryger Larsen, Wind, Cornelius, Ronnow, Jensen.
Referee: Clement Turpin (France)
04:29 PMGood evening!
Good evening!
Hello and welcome to Telegraph Sport's live coverage of tonight's Group B match between Russia and Denmark in Copenhagen.
Russia are preparing for a tough match against a Danish team determined to reach the knockout stages of Euro 2020, Russian manager Stanislav Cherchesov said on Sunday.
Russia, who have not reached the latter stages of the European championship since 2008, need either a win against Denmark to get into the last 16 or a draw if Finland fail to beat Belgium in the other Group B match tonight.
"We think that this will be a difficult match," Cherchesov told a news conference, highlighting Denmark's explosive play and Yussuf Poulsen's early goal in their 2-1 loss to Belgium, the world's top-ranked side.
Danish manager Kasper Hjulmand has pledged that Denmark, who will benefit from home advantage, will beat Russia in honour of Christian Eriksen, who collapsed after suffering a heart attack during their opening game against Finland.
To grab the second qualifying spot, Denmark must beat Russia by two or more goals and rely on Belgium, who have reached the last 16, to beat Finland.
AS Monaco midfielder Alexander Golovin, one of the few Russians who plays in a top European league, said Russia would be facing difficult opponents.
"They are a very powerful team and play at a high tempo," Golovin said. "Even the Belgians had trouble with them the first half... They cannot be underestimated."
Cherchesov would not disclose whether midfielder Mario Fernandes, who was cleared of a spinal injury after a heavy fall in Russia's 1-0 win over Finland, would be fit to play.
He also declined to say who would start in goal after turning to 22-year-old Matvei Safonov against Finland after a sub-par performance by Anton Shunin against Belgium.
Cherchesov is not happy that Denmark is not allowing Russian fans into the country due to Covid-19 travel restrictions.
"We regret that our fans won't be able to be at the stadium," he said. "In one sense it's unfair. But the situation in the world is complex. The situation here in Denmark doesn't permit them to come and there is nothing we can do about that."