Denmark scripted an inspiring comeback after losing their first two group stage games, with the Christian Eriksen episode weighing heavy on their minds. Austria made it to the last 16 of the European Championship for the first time after beating Ukraine, and the Netherlands spoiled North Macedonia captain Goran Pandev's farewell with a 3-0 rout. Belgium, who started with Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Axel Witsel, notched up their third straight win in Euro 2020 beating tournament debutants Finland.
Slice of history for Austria
Christoph Baumgartner’s first half goal sealed it for Austria as they defeated dismal Ukraine 1-0 on Monday to finish runners-up in Group C and seal a first ever place in the last 16 of the European Championship.
Austria were able to celebrate their achievement, but the result leaves Ukraine sweating on what looks a slim chance they will be among the four best third-placed teams and also earn their place in the knockout stages.
Baumgartner turned in David Alaba’s corner midway through the first half as Austria profited from a lacklustre display from Ukraine, who battled to find fluidity when it seemingly mattered most in the tournament.
The Netherlands, who beat North Macedonia 3-0 in their final game, top the group with a full haul of nine points from their three games, while Austria are second on six points and Ukraine have three, and a negative goal-difference.
Austria may not be celebrating for long though as they face in-form Italy in the last 16 in London on Saturday, coming up against Roberto Mancini’s team that are unbeaten in their last 30 internationals and who have not conceded in 11 games.
Austria made the early running and went ahead on 21 minutes through a simply-worked goal. Alaba’s corner delivery reached Baumgartner, who had moved ahead of his marker and prodded the ball into the net.
Netherlands maintain winning run
Georginio Wijnaldum scored twice and Memphis Depay added to his goal haul in a 3-0 win for the Netherlands over North Macedonia on Monday to keep their 100 per cent record at Euro 2020 — but not before surviving some early scares at the Johan Cruyff Arena. The Dutch had already secured top place in Group C but emphasised their dominance with a full haul of points as North Macedonia exited the tournament with none.
Depay opened the scoring in the first-half and Wijnaldum added two in the space of seven minutes to go ahead of Marco van Basten on the list of his country’s scorers. The captain now has 25 goals for the Netherlands, who head to Budapest for their last-16 match on Sunday against one of the best third-placed finishers from Groups D, E or F.
North Macedonia offered plucky intent at creating an upset and had the ball in the Dutch net early, only for Ivan Trickovski to be ruled off-side. Aleksandar Trajkovski then smashed in a powerful shot that had Dutch goalkeeper Marten Stekelenburg beaten but thundered back out off the post.
The Dutch, who also won in the group against Ukraine and Austria, have now scored at least two goals in their last 10 internationals in a run stretching back to November. Austria finished second in the group.
North Macedonia captain Goran Pandev, 37, went off with some 22 minutes left at the end of a 20-year international career and was accorded a guard of honour by substitutes and team officials on the touchline.
Denmark thrash Russia, in last 16
Denmark booked a round of 16 clash versus Wales after thrashing Russia 4-1 at the Parken Stadium, courtesy goals from Mikkel Damsgaard, Tussuf Poulsen, Andreas Christensen and Joakim Mæhle. The Danes went into the game without a single point in their last two games, but a convincing win over the Russians, and Finland going down to Belgium, worked in their favour.
Russia’s only hurrah came via an Artem Dzyuba spot kick in the 70th minute. The past few days have been mentally draining for the Danes, majorly due to Eriksen's on-field collapse in the opening game versus the Finns. Coach Kasper Hjulmand gives absolute credit to his team for the inspiring comeback. “What a night. We hoped it would be a magic night. I can’t imagine how they managed to come back from what they went through, so a big credit to the boys. It is hard to describe what this team has been through the past few weeks, but we are thinking about Christian all the way. The team spirit and how everyone contributed is amazing,” Hjulmand told reporters after the match.
After scoring the fourth goal for his side, Joakim Maehle went up to a TV camera and formed a “10” with his fingers in a tribute to Eriksen who was discharged from the hospital on Friday.
Belgium top Group B
Finland now only have a slender chance of making it to the last 16, as they lost 0-2 to Belgium, courtesy an own goal from their goalkeeper Lukas Hradecy and a Romelu Lukaku strike in the 81st minute. This was the Red Devils' third straight win in the tournament, and they will now play one of the four third-place finishers in the upcoming knockout stage.
The good news for Belgium is that Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Axel Witsel cleared the litmus test for their fitness levels after recent injuries. The three of them played for the entire 90 minutes. “Three wins, three professional performances, three different styles,” Martinez said after the match.
“To be able to see 90 minutes from Axel and Eden, and Kevin was almost on the pitch for 90 minutes, that was very satisfying. On top of that, every outfield player has been on the pitch in these three games. It is the perfect moment to go forward to the next game,” he added.
Today's matches:
Croatia vs Scotland (12:30 am IST, Wednesday)
Venue: Hampden Park
Czech Republic vs England (12:30 am IST, Wednesday)
Venue: Wembley Stadium