Denmark to face Wales in last 16 after thumping Russia

Russia 1-4 Denmark: Magnificent Danes set to play Wales in last of 16 after thrashing Russia in Copenhagen - EURO 2020

Denmark will face Wales in the last 16 of the European championship after an overwhelming and amazing victory over Russia on a frenetic night in Copenhagen.

Russia got off to a good start and were nearly rewarded when Aleksandr Golovin went on a solo run from halfway, forcing Kasper Schmeichel to get down smartly to keep out his low drive. 

The Danes were not without a threat of their own, with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg hitting a shot just wide of the goal before picking out Mikkel Damsgaard at the edge of the box in the 38th minute. 

The Sampdoria midfielder found a yard with one touch to his right before hitting a fantastic curling effort that Matvei Safonov could only watch fly into his net.

Denmark needed more than one goal to guarantee the win, and they kept pressing into the second half. 

Russia defender Roman Zobnin gifted the hosts the much needed second goal as his poor back pass was slotted in by Yussuf Poulsen. 

However, Russian hopes were restored when Aleksandr Sobolev was brought down by Jannik Vestergaard and Artem Dzyuba converted the penalty.

Undaunted, Denmark started to attack in numbers with growing desperation, which was rewarded when Russia could only clear as far as Christensen, whose first-time effort from 30 metres beat the Russian goalie. 

With the Danish fans still ecstatic, Mæhle danced into the penalty box and blasted in a fourth goal, allowing the Danes to begin their celebrations in earnest after an anxious wait for Belgium's 2-0 win over Finland to be confirmed.

Man of the Match: Andreas Christensen (Denmark)

🇩🇰 Defended well, stepped into midfield when needed and scored a vital goal. Andreas Christensen 👏@Heineken | #EUROSOTM | #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/VbtRMiDXK2

— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 21, 2021

What the players and managers said

Yussuf Poulsen, Denmark forward: "We were facing a team that defended well, especially in the first 60 minutes. Then we found the rhythm we needed to break them down. It was hard in the first half, but we did what we needed to. It was a fantastic piece of play from Damsgaard that opened it all up."

Mikkel Damsgaard, Denmark forward: "It's insane that we are through – this team, all of the players! It's a great feeling. It's fantastic to be part of this. I'd never dreamed of being part of something so great."

Joakim Mæhle, Denmark defender: "It was absolutely insane. It's indescribable. It was the same against Finland and Belgium – it keeps surpassing itself. I've never experienced anything like it. It was a magical atmosphere."

Kasper Hjulmand, Denmark coach: "I'm out of words regarding my admiration for this team. They are so strong. I want to thank all of Denmark, the [fans in the] stadium. The love and care that the whole of Denmark has shown us helped the boys' power go into their legs and out in this stadium."

Stanislav Cherchesov, Russia coach: "I thanked the guys for what they've done. They were up for this game but it just didn't go our way. We could have taken our chances in the first half but didn't, then conceded a goal from a half-chance and couldn't get back in the game. We have to think about all of this and move forward."

Artem Dzyuba, Russia captain: "The first goal was out of the blue. Everything was working out but we did not score from good chances – and at this level, that is not forgiven."

Russia 1-4 Denmark: Watch the full match highlights

How Group B finished

Group B winners: Belgium 🇧🇪✅
Group B runners-up: Denmark 🇩🇰✅#EURO2020

— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 21, 2021