Image Courtesy: Twitter/Euro2020
Kevin De Bruyne and Thorgan Hazard’s stunner helped Belgium overcome Denmark 2-1 to advance the round of 16 in Copenhagen on Thursday while they took three points home.
With two minutes into the game, Belgium was already down by 1-0 with Danish striker Yussuf Poulsen, who gave Denmark their early lead.
After 10 minutes, the match was stopped to pay tribute to Christian Eriksen, Danish midfielder, who collapsed on the pitch at the Parken stadium during Denmark’s Euro 2020 opener vs Finland and suffered cardiac arrest.
Play has stopped and there's a moment of applause for Christian Eriksen, who's recovering in hospital following a medical emergency during Denmark's opening game against Finland.#EURO2020
— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 17, 2021
While Eriksen is stable and recovering, Denmark and Belgium players along with the fans in the stadium paid tribute to the midfielder by joining together for a minute of applause.
❤️ Denmark and Belgium unite to show their support for Christian Eriksen.#EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/jaaTpCNA3n
— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 17, 2021
Belgium was already down by 1-0 after Poulsen took advantage of their defence. The first half ended in favour for Denmark.
De Bruyne, who started from the bench in the second half changed the whole game for the team with his masterclass. Manchester City midfielder had fractured his nose during the clash versus Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League final on May 29 because of which he wasn’t involved in the squad to recover. The midfielder in his first match of the tournament within 45 minutes gave one goal and an assist for his side’s comeback win.
He, with his masterclass performance, set the equaliser for Belgium with a stunning touch, won over two defenders and passed to Thorgan Hazard unselfishly for 1-1 at the 54th minute.
The assist wasn’t enough for the Belgium midfielder De Bruyne in his debut Euro 2020 game, he then turned Real Madrid’s Eden Hazard’s brilliant pass into a magnificent winner at the 70th minute.
Romelu Lukaku, the Belgium striker, was awarded as the Star of the Match for his outstanding performance throughout the game.
🌟 Romelu Lukaku is recognised for his sensational second-half performance 👏👏👏#EUROSOTM | @Heineken | #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/9ss0748TjB
— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 17, 2021
This was Belgium’s second win of the tournament that advanced them into the knockout stage.