Euro 2020: Denmark Spank Russia To Advance

By Ibrahim Taiwo, The Nigerian Voice Sports

Denmark powered into the last 16 of Euro 2020 with a brilliant 4-1 thrashing of Russia at a raucous Parken Stadium on Monday, helping to send five other teams through in the process, according to Reuters.

The Danes knew they had to beat Russia by two goals and hope leaders Belgium saw off Finland in Saint Petersburg to snatch second place in Group B despite opening with two defeats.

The first of those losses, to Finland, was overshadowed by Christian Eriksen's on-pitch collapse, caused by a cardiac arrest.

But it was a joyous night in Copenhagen on Monday as goals from Mikkel Damsgaard, Yussuf Poulsen, Andreas Christensen and Joakim Maehle saw the hosts through in style, as Belgium scored two late goals to beat the Finns 2-0.

Kasper Hjulmand's men will meet Wales in the last 16 in Amsterdam on Saturday.

"The most important (thing) is that we are now united as Denmark," Maehle told Danish broadcaster DR after the win in front of a 25 000-strong crowd.

"We need to enjoy this moment. I'm super proud of the boys."

Inter Milan player Eriksen has left hospital after a successful operation to have a heart defibrillator fitted.

The results in Group B also saw Switzerland, who finished third in Group A, the Czech Republic, England, Sweden and France – all yet to play their final group games – move into the knockout phase.