Belgium move to EURO 2020 last-16 with comeback win against Denmark

By Muhammed Enes Calli

ANKARA (AA) - Belgium advanced to the Round of 16 in EURO 2020 with a comeback 2-1 win against Denmark on Thursday.

The match was played under the shadow of Christian Eriksen’s heart attack during Denmark’s first Group B contest.

Ahead of kick-off at Parken Stadium in Denmark, a huge Christian Eriksen's No.10 jersey was waved across the pitch and the match was stopped in minute 10 to honor Eriksen with applause.

Eriksen collapsed on the pitch after suffering cardiac arrest during a match against Finland in the tournament on June 12.

The Danes had a great start, shocking Belgium with an opening goal in just the second minute.

After intercepting the ball from Jason Denayer's poor pass, Pierre-Emile Kordt Hojbjerg pulled it to unmarked Yussuf Poulsen who got the ball on the edge of the penalty area and fired a strike, giving his team the early lead.

In the second half, Belgium was more effective thanks to the impressive form of Kevin De Bruyne, who replaced Dries Mertens at halftime.

In the 55th minute, Romelu Lukaku made a great run into the penalty box and passed to De Bruyne. De Bruyne then assisted Thorgan Hazard who found the net with a shot from six yards out.

Belgium completed the comeback with De Bruyne's stunning goal from outside the box in the 70th minute.

Group B leaders Belgium have six points and secured a place in the tournament’s next round.

Russia and Finland each have three points while Denmark is at the bottom without any points.