Kasper Hjulmand said Denmark after thinking about Christian Eriksen “all the way” as the head coach revelled in the nation’s magical night at Euro 2020.
Denmark remarkably booked their place in the last 16 of Euro 2020 with a stirring 4-1 win over Russia in Copenhagen on Monday, setting up a showdown against Wales.
After losing 1-0 to Finland – a game overshadowed by the cardiac arrest suffered by star midfielder Eriksen – and 2-1 to star-studded Belgium, Denmark’s hopes of making the knockout stages were slim before the clash at the Parken Stadium.
But Denmark produced a devastating performance to open their account at Euro 2020 and seal second spot in Group B thanks to goals from Mikkel Damsgaard, Yussuf Poulsen, Andreas Christensen and Joakim Maehle.
Denmark became the first team in European Championship history to reach the knockout stages of the competition having lost their first two group-stage games, while it also marked the first time Denmark had scored four goals in a major tournament game since a 4-1 victory over Nigeria at the 1998 World Cup.
Wait for it…
Denmark have their round of 16 spot confirmed! @dbulandshold | #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/SkXKdB9V6c
— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 21, 2021
“What a night. We hoped that it would be a magic night at Parken,” Hjulmand told reporters. “I want to start by saying thank you to all the people who have been supporting us and have shown so much love.
“I don’t think it would have been possible without all the support. I could feel that it really affected the players, so thank you so much for all the support. It means the world to us.
“The motivation, the team spirit and the friendship among the players were amazing. We played three games at a very high level, and if anyone deserves this, it’s our players. I can’t imagine how they managed to come back from what they went through, so a big credit to the boys. Thanks a lot for the support we’ve got from the whole of Denmark.
“I think it helps the team and hopefully it gives the country some good moments. It’s something we all love, so thank you and a huge congratulations to the boys. It’s really awesome.”
Scintillating first-time effort from distance by Andreas Christensen!
Goal of the Round
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