Euro 2020: Axel Witsel makes his return, Thorgan Hazard scores as Belgium beat Denmark
By Tushar Bahl
Thorgan Hazard and Kevin de Bruyne scored in the second half to help Belgium earn a come from behind 2-1 win over Denmark, as Axel Witsel made his return to action after more than five months out.
Two sublime team goals helped Belgium beat Denmark 2-1 and qualify for the Euro 2020 round of 16. But the win wasn’t nearly as straight-forward as the Red Devils would have liked. Denmark made an excellent start to the game and caught the world’s number one ranked team napping in just the second minute. RB Leipzig striker Youssuf Poulsen found the net for the Danes to send the Copenhagen crowd into raptures.
Belgium were outplayed and outworked by a determined and inspired Denmark side in the first half. But Roberto Martinez brought on Kevin de Bruyne at half time. And the Manchester City playmaker set the tone for a second half comeback win.
Thorgan Hazard scored the equaliser for Belgium, turning home de Bruyne’s low cross into the net after some good work by Romelu Lukaku. De Bruyne then turned from provider to scorer, as he found the back of the net with a lovely first time finish after more good interplay between the Belgium forwards.
There was another reason to cheer for Belgium and Borussia Dortmund fans, as Axel Witsel came on to make his comeback five months after suffering a torn achilles tendon. The midfielder showed his class and composure on the ball during his 30 minute cameo, and managed to complete all 25 of his attempted passes.
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The win helped Belgium seal their passage to the Euro 2020 round of 16. They now only need a point from their final group game against Finland to finish as Group B winners. The situation is a lot trickier for Denmark, who must beat Russia in their final group game to have even a marginal chance of going through.