Denmark are determined to squeeze into the knockout stage of Euro 2020 with a win against Russia in their final Group B match on Monday, after recovering with poise from the shock of Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest.
Despite losing 1-2 to a Belgian side aided by the return of Kevin de Bruyne, a flood of supportive messages for Eriksen and the catharsis of Yussuf Poulsen’s early goal against the world’s top side seemed to put the trauma of Denmark’s opening match behind them.
Manager Kasper Hjulmand pledged that Denmark, who will benefit from home advantage against Russia in Copenhagen, would beat Stanislav Cherchesov’s side for Eriksen after he underwent an operation to implant a heart-starter device.
Denmark hope fans will rouse them. “It’s like our Euros are starting right now,” Hjulmand said on Sunday ahead of the game at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen where fans have stayed passionately behind the team during narrow defeats to Finland and Belgium.
“We’re prepared to run out at Parken tomorrow (Monday) and have a magical night,” the 49-year-old manager told a news conference.
“It’s a little surreal that we have no points, but we’re focused on the game against Russia and we know that with a win we can get out of the group phase.
“We respect Russia, it’s going to be a tough game and we need the support we had last time (against Belgium).”
Denmark, last in Group B with two losses, hope to capitalise early on defensive lapses by Russia, with Mikkel Damsgaard filling in for Eriksen and forward Martin Braithwaite showing touches of quality against Belgium.
To grab the second qualifying spot, Denmark are also relying on Belgium, who have already advanced, to beat Finland on Monday.
Finnish confidence
Finland face a daunting challenge against Belgium, but coach Markku Kanerva is taking inspiration from his side’s ability to surprise the top nations.
“A draw will probably be enough to qualify,” he said of the final Group B game in St Petersburg on Monday for Finland, who sit on three points after an opening win against Denmark.
