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Denmark fought off the Czech Republic's challenge in their UEFA Euro 2020 quarter-final fixture last night. First-half goals from Thomas Delaney and Kasper Dolberg proved decisive as the Czechs could only pull one back through Patrick Schik's second-half strike.
The Czechs were wasteful in the first half and conceded just five minutes into the game from Delaney's header following a corner. The Danes would continue to create several chances and doubled their lead just before half-time, with their Round of 16 fixture hero Dolberg finding the back of the net.
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The performances of the Czech players improved significantly in the second half. They pulled one back almost immediately after the break, with their top scorer Schik beating Kasper Schmeichel from close range.
Both goalkeepers made decisive saves in the second half and ensured no more goals were scored in the game after Schik's early strike. The Czech Republic's hopes of a comeback were dented when Schik, now tied with Cristiano Ronaldo at the top of the goalscoring charts with five goals, was injured in the 79th minute.
As Denmark's fairytale at Euro 2020 continues with a spot in the semi-finals, here we take a look at the five talking points from the game.
#5 Denmark emerge as the surprise package in EURO 2020
Denmark have gone through a lot at Euro 2020 since Christian Eriksen's traumatic departure during the opening fixture of the competition. They lost 1-0 to Finland in that game before suffering a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Belgium in their second. But it was Denmark's determination and smart play that helped them make it all the way to the semi-finals.
Against the Czech Republic, Denmark showed their desire and hunger to search for more goals despite taking an early lead. It is their positive approach that makes them a very dangerous opponent to go up against.
Denmark, who have a balanced squad at the moment with quality players at both ends of the pitch, have what it takes to make it all the way to the final.
#4 Czech Republic only have themselves to blame for the narrow loss
The Czech Republic had a terrible first half and found themselves one goal down within five minutes. They failed to defend a corner and gave Thomas Delaney enough time and space to head home the opening goal of the game. Before Delaney's goal, they had conceded just twice in the tournament. So conceding a goal so early in their quarter-final fixture and that too from a preventable set-piece was quite surprising.
They also struggled to create chances in the final third, with most of their attacks being cut-off in the middle of the pitch by the Danish players. Schick only had one clear chance before the break.
The Czech Republic were pretty much flawless against the Netherlands in the Round 16. But they failed to build on that performance last night and were let down by their own lethargy in the first half. Despite a good second-half performance, the Czechs could not overturn a two-goal deficit.
Also See: 10 best goalkeepers in the world this season (2020-21)
#3 Denmark become the first team to reach Euro semi-finals after losing first two games
Denmark have been one of the best teams at Euro 2020, playing some amazing attacking football. They made quick work of Russia and Wales before their 2-1 win over the Czech Republic last night.
However, they have not had a great start to their Euro 2020 campaign. Denmark lost their most influential player Christian Eriksen in their opening fixture against Finland before going on to lose the game by a 1-0 margin. They also suffered a 2-1 loss in their second fixture at the hands of Belgium. Denmark then beat Russia 4-1 in their final group stage game and only qualified for the knockout rounds, owing to their superior goal difference.
With the 2-1 win over the Czech Republic, they also became the first side in the competition's history to make it to the semi-finals after losing two of their three group stage games. They have displayed a winning team's mentality and that has helped them secure a semi-final spot. Can they now go all the way? Only time will tell.
#2 Kasper Schmeichel and Tomas Vaclik put in inspired performances between the sticks
The game between Denmark and the Czech Republic was a low-scoring affair, especially from the Danes' point of view, who had scored four goals each in their last two games.
A big reason for only three goals being scored in last night's game was the brave performances put in by Danish goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel and his Czech counterpart Tomas Vaclík between the sticks.
Both shot-stoppers made as many as four saves in the game. Schmeichel denied the Czechs an early goal in the second half, with his fingertips deflecting a shot for a corner. He was again alert from a well-taken set-piece in the 74th minute, making a decisive save.
Vaclik was called into action twice in the final stages of the game and denied Yussuf Poulsen and Maehle within a span of three minutes with two incredible reflex saves.
#1 Denmark progress to the semi-finals for the first time since their 1992 triumph
Denmark sealed a semi-final spot for themselves with a narrow but commanding 2-1 win over the Czech Republic. It is a great achievement in itself and a testament to why they are currently ranked 10th in the FIFA rankings, ahead of the likes of Germany and the Netherlands.
The victory was also special for another reason as it ensured their first semi-final spot at the Euros since 1992 when they lifted the continental title.
Of all the teams in the last four, Denmark are the least fancied ones and that makes them the dark horse at the moment. They have a more than capable squad of beating any team on their day. If they secure a place in the final, who knows a repeat of 1992 might be on the cards as well.
Also See: Top 5 national teams with the most fans in the world
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