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Denmark’s journey started in a most shocking and scary fashion, but the 1992 European champions have taken another step closer to repeating that historic feat with a dominant 4-0 win over Wales, who thus fall well short of repeating their historic run to the semifinals four five years ago.
Wales, the Group A runners-up started the better of the two sides, controlling play and creating a few opportunities in the first 15 minutes, but Denmark, spurred on by a partisan crowd in Amsterdam grew into proceedings and never looked back once Kasper Dolberg started the scoring just before the half-hour mark. This goal was the pick of the bunch, a magnificent flowing move expertly finished off.
Dolberg, who burst onto the scene in this very stadium with Ajax (he’s been at Nice for the last couple seasons), was on the scoresheet for a second time just a couple minutes into the second half, before Denmark made sure of the win with two more goals in the final two minutes. (Technically the last one was four minutes into added-on time, but that doesn’t fit with the number-two theme.)
4 - Denmark are the first team to score 4+ goals in consecutive matches in European Championship history. Force. #EURO2020 #WALDEN
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 26, 2021
So, Denmark into the last eight for the first time since 2004*, when they lost to an imperious Czech Republic side. They could be in for a rematch, though the Czechs will first have to get past the Netherlands, tomorrow.
*(the knockout rounds began with the last-8 back then)
With Ethan Ampadu suspended for Wales after his red card in the previous game, Andreas Christensen was the only Chelsea representative in this one. Christensen has had an excellent tournament, matching his second-half form from the season, and that continued with another solid display against Aaron Ramsey & Co, keeping the former Arsenal man quiet and effectively nullifying Wales’ perhaps biggest threat.
#WALDEN - Euro 2020 Tactical Thread
— Pythagoras In Boots ⚽️ (@pythaginboots) June 26, 2021
Key points:
- Christensen marks Ramsey out of the game
- The Denmark front three thrived during Welsh transition from attack -> defense
- Denmark routinely exploited the left flank w/ Maehle & Damsgaard
CC: @TacticalPad#EURO2020 #WAL #DEN pic.twitter.com/bb827sZcuP
Chelsea are going to have to make sure Aaron Ramsey doesn't accidentally show up at pre-season because he'll probably still be in Andreas Christensen's pocket at that point.
— Chelsea Youth (@chelseayouth) June 26, 2021
Christensen’s contract extension is hopefully ready to be signed as soon as he gets back from the Euros ... though hopefully that won’t be for a while yet and Denmark continue their remarkable journey.
It's really important that Chelsea renew Andreas Christensen as part of an ambitious summer. 'Big ears', as the Danes call him, is reaching new heights https://t.co/w8dfgwHJLg #EURO2020 #CFC
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) June 26, 2021