‘En historisk katastrofe for Danmark’ – read the headline from Danish newspaper Tipsbladet. And you don’t have to speak Danish to understand the feeling of disappointment.
Denmark were defeated in their World Cup playoff, losing to the Czech Republic on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
Manchester United loanee Rasmus Hojlund crashed his penalty against the bar in the shootout, setting the tone with the opener. Denmark lost 3-1 on penalties.
He had three shots on goal during the game, all saved by former United academy goalkeeper Matej Kovar.
Despite Denmark’s elimination and the frustration felt by the Danish press, Hojlund’s performance was praised.
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Danish press on Hojlund
Rasmus Hojlund played all 120 minutes of the game that he billed as the ‘biggest match‘ of his career beforehand.
Defender Joachim Andersen and substitute Kasper Hogh scored the goals for Denmark, with Hojlund left frustrated despite his best efforts.
Danish newspaper Bold praised Hojlund’s performance – but not his finishing.
“He was strong in the box and was a big threat to the Czech defense. In both cases, the finish was too weak.”
Newspaper Tipsbladet was far more positive, praising his physicality, noting that all of Denmark’s attacks went through the Napoli star.
They rated his performance 4/5, commenting: “An absolutely excellent game by Rasmus Hojlund, he threw the Czech stoppers around like they were puppets. They couldn’t control his physique at all.
“He was the alpha and omega of the offensive game – close-range and dangerous. Best in the first 45 minutes, when he had space to run in, but took decisive action on the defensive set pieces.”
There was no negative dwelling on his penalty miss, with two other Danish players also missing.
The same outlet gave substitute Christian Eriksen a 3/5, noting that nothing really came off for the former Manchester United midfielder.
“It looked like a match that needed Christian Eriksen’s creativity, he tried too, but it just didn’t really work out.”
Eriksen was the only Denmark player to score in the shootout.
The positive ratings won’t cheer up the Danish stars, with Hojlund yet to play in a World Cup after 2022 came too early for him.
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Christian Eriksen sad after defeat
Christian Eriksen, 34, recognises this was likely his last chance to star at another World Cup.
He told Bold that it is too early to decide whether he will continue at international level.
“My plan was of course to have a World Cup and then take it from there. Now there is no World Cup, so we will have to see where we stand later.
“Now it is the disappointment that weighs on us, and it is a real shame that we are not going to go and that I will not get that experience.”
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