Denmark takes the Czech Republic and a place in the half

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Kasper Hjulmand, the Danish coach warned: “We’re going to play forward, we’re going to defend with speed. We will give everything for the Danish fans. And again, we’re going to play with Christian Eriksen in mind. He is still the heart of this team. “ From the start of the quarter-final which pitted, on Saturday July 3 in Baku, Denmark, one of the most spectacular teams of this Euro, to the Czech Republic, the Scandinavians did not give up their principles.

After five minutes of play, Thomas Delaney placed his header into the nets of Vaclik, the Czech goalkeeper. Well served by Stryger Larsen, the Danish midfielder, who plays at Borussia Dortmund, opens the scoring, alone at the penalty spot. The Red and Whites do not relax: Damsgaard is very close to the second Danish goal (12e), but Coufal saves the Czech Republic on the line. Four minutes later, it was Delaney who missed his shot from the right when he was in a good position to score.

Opposite, the Narodni tym wakes up a little with a strike from Holes repelled by Schmeichel (22e). Celutska misses the equalizer before the half hour mark, too short after a free kick struck by Masopust. The last quarter of an hour offers the same scenario: Danish domination and clear opportunities, in particular with the nugget Damsgaard, which stumbles on Vaclik (38e). The second goal comes thanks to the magic of Maehle’s right foot. The side of Atalanta Bergamo center a magnificent exterior for Kasper Dolberg, who concludes at close range (42e).

Czech awakening is not enough

Back from the locker room, Czech coach Jaroslav Silhavy made two changes that would quickly take effect. Entrant Krmencik shines Kasper Schmeichel with a powerful strike. And the Czech hope is reborn thanks to its providential scorer, Patrik Schick: with a volley from the right, he closed the gap and scored his fifth goal (49e minute) in this Euro, returning to the height of the Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo.

Higher up on the ground, the Czechs are leaving some space. Coming into play in place of Dolberg, Poulsen misses a big opportunity (62e) after too long a check and a heroic rescue from Soucek. The last twenty minutes will be Czech: Jankto sees his shot discarded by Kjaer (72e) and Soucek puts the Danish doorman to work (74e). Patrik Schick’s exit ten minutes from the end of the game will cut off the Czech Republic’s momentum. The Danes are holding on and can celebrate their qualification for the semi-finals of the Euro, the first since their surprise European coronation in 1992. They still have to continue this beautiful story.

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