Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand paid a glowering tribute to his players after a memorable victory over Russia in Euro 2020.
Kasper Hjulmand paid tribute to the unity and resilience shown by his players after Denmark’s 4-1 win over Russia.
The victory in Copenhagen was Denmark’s first in Euro 2020 after losing each of their first two games. It sealed second place in Group B ahead of Finland and Russia on goal difference and a spot in the last-16.
The miracle comeback came only nine days after Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest at the Parken Stadium.
“We hoped it would be a magic night at Parken,” said Hjulmand in his post-match conference as quoted by the Independent.
“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 Denmark boss added: “The motivation, the team spirit, the friendship among the players was amazing.
“We played three games on a very high level and if someone 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, and thanks a lot for the support we’ve got from the whole of Denmark.
“I have to say the team and the team sprit we have and how everyone contributed was amazing.
“It’s hard to describe what this team has been through the past four weeks. We are thinking about Christian all the way.”
Mikkel Damsgaard and Yussuf Poulsen fired Denmark in front on Monday before Artem Dzyuba pulled a goal back for Russia with a 70th-minute penalty.
A brilliant long-range effort from Andreas Christensen and Joakim Maehle’s late hit, however, sealed all three points and a last-16 spot after Belgium defeated Finland 2-0 in the other Group B fixture.
The Danes will face Group A runners-up Wales in last-16 on Saturday evening at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam.
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