This archive report was first published on 22 June 2021.
June 21, 2021, was a night to remember for Denmark as they pulled off a stunning 4-1 victory over Russia in the Euro 2020 group stage.
With their fate in their own hands, Denmark needed a win to progress to the last 16, and they got it in spectacular fashion.
Mikkel Damsgaard lit the touchpaper with a 38th-minute wonder goal, receiving a pass from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and swerving a majestic shot beyond Russia keeper Matvei Safonov.
Denmark's second goal came in the 60th minute, courtesy of a dreadful mistake by Russia's Roman Zobnin, who played a pass back towards his keeper without looking, allowing Yussuf Poulsen to score with ease.
However, Russia threatened a comeback when Artem Dzyuba converted a 70th-minute penalty, but Andreas Christensen's screamer made it 3-1, and Joakim Maehle completed the rout.
Denmark's victory was not just about their own performance, but also about the result of the other match in the group, where Belgium beat Finland 2-0 in St Petersburg.
Belgium finished top of Group B with a maximum nine points, while Denmark, Finland, and Russia all finished on three points, but Denmark's superior goal difference saw them through to the last 16.
