Denmark and Belgium’s previous meeting at a major tournament was in the group stages of the Euro 1984. Resulting in Denmark winning 3-2 after being 2-0 down. Belgium will pay tribute to Christian Eriksen by kicking the ball out in the 10th minute of their Euro 2020 Group B encounter with Denmark on Thursday afternoon. After the sad scenes people had witnessed during the Finland and Denmark match. As it stands going into the game Denmark are currently at the bottom of Group B after loosing their opening fixture whereas Belgium will be going into this game with a boost of energy after they were victorious against Russia

First Half: Belgium lacked desire

Denmark began the game with more urgency out of the two teams and shown a promising start. The match showed early signs of what looked to be an exciting game. Denmark made the perfect start as they are leading after two minutes into the match from a terrible mistake at the back by Denayer. He gifted the ball straight back to Hojbjerg. Hojbjerg found Poulsen on the edge of the box who then struck the ball into the bottom left hand corner.

Denmark could have been further ahead but the header by Wass at the back post. But his header lacked power and was directed straight at Courtois. 10 minutes had passed and the stadium showed emotional scenes as the Belgium players kicked the ball out of play to pay tribute to Denmark’s number 10 as Eriksen continues to support his teammates from the hospital.

Moments like these show the unity between fans and players as they come together to share their concern over an event and support each other. Emphasising that other situations are more important than football or getting a result. Belgium seemed to be struggling defensively as they could not manage to keep the ball without giving it away at every opportunity. However, Belgium are still very much in the game if the match stays at 1-0 going into half time.

Belgium did not turn up as they only managed 1 shot on goal in comparison to Denmarks 9. Heading into the second half and it is fair to say that Denmark have deserved their 1-0 lead.

Second half:Can Denmark keep their lead?

The Red Devils made their first substitution of the match with Kevin De Bruyne making his introduction to the Euros as a replacement for Dries Mertens. Belgium keep their starting 3-4-3 formation with De Bruyne playing on the right of the front three.

Belgium are level as Lukaku did brilliantly to turn his marker before he raced towards the box getting free of the right byline who then pulled it back for De Bruyne as he spotted an unmarked Thorgan Hazard. Soon after, Hazard scored their equaliser with a tap in from six yards. Its 1-1 at the 54th minute and it was anyone’s game! More changes came for Belgium as Martinez brought on Hazard and Witsel for Carrasco and Dendonker. The Danes responded to the goal as they made a double change of their own as Norgaard and Strygar came on for goalscorer, Poulsen and also Wass. Since De Bruyne came on as a sub at the start of the second half he has made an immediate impact on the games and has proved how crucial his involvement will be for Belgium to succeed.

70 minutes in and it 2-1 to Belgium as some stunning one touch football around the opposition box ends with De Bruyne smashing an unstoppable drive past Schmeichel as the Red Devils make a comeback.

Denmark attempted to equalise in the 86th minute but the shot hit the top of the crossbar and goes over. There is an additional five minutes to the game but it looks as though Belgium have done enough to secure the win here at Copenhagen.

Conclusion

After a chaotic start in the opening 45 minutes and an improved performance by Belgium in the second half they won their second fixture in the group stages and will join Italy in the Round of 16. Despite this, Belgium must still face Finland on Monday 21st June in St Petersburg at 8pm. Results on the remaining two matches of the group will decide who gets second spot and joins Belgium in the Round of 16.