Denmark secured a decisive 3-1 victory over Greece in Copenhagen on Sunday, keeping their unbeaten run alive in the UEFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers and moving a step closer to securing their place in next year’s finals. The result has been the talk of UK football news, both for Denmark’s commanding group performance and the tactical intrigue that unfolded during the match.
Denmark’s Early Dominance
The match began with Greece holding possession and probing Denmark’s defence. However, in the 21st minute, Denmark’s star forward Rasmus Højlund capitalised on a huge error from Greek midfielder Christos Zafeiris, whose under-hit pass back to his goalkeeper allowed Højlund to tap in from close range. The Danish fans erupted in celebration, sensing the swing in momentum.
Denmark quickly seized control. Joachim Andersen doubled Denmark’s lead with a powerful header from a Mikkel Damsgaard corner in the 40th minute. The impact was immediate. Just a minute later, Damsgaard himself exploited further chaos in the Greek box to finish coolly into an empty net, taking the score to 3-0 before the interval.
Greece’s Struggle and Resilience
Despite the setback, Greece showed resilience after halftime. Christos Tzolis managed to pull a goal back for the visitors, firing a stunning shot over Kasper Schmeichel in the 63rd minute. This strike marked the first goal Denmark had conceded in the qualifiers to date.
In the closing stages, Greece pressed for a second goal and came close. Substitute Giannis Konstantelias forced a top-class save from Schmeichel, and Pavlidis had a shot cleared off the line by Andersen. Denmark’s defence, however, held firm through the tense final moments.
Tactical Analysis and Expert Insight
Brian Riemer set up Denmark with both attacking flair and defensive discipline, qualities that have become hallmarks of their qualifying campaign. Denmark’s mix of emerging young talents and experienced backbone, typified by Damsgaard and Schmeichel proved highly effective. Riemer’s squad now sits ahead of Scotland on goal difference, with both teams guaranteed at least a play-off place for the finals.
The result knocked Greece out of the running for World Cup qualification, leaving them in third place with three points and no chance of progression. Danish midfielder Morten Hjulmand, speaking after the match, stressed the importance of grit over style, pointing out that winning “ugly” was what mattered at this crucial stage. He admitted Denmark did not hit their peak but managed to deliver the result when it counted.
What This Means for the Group
Denmark’s win keeps them top of Group C with ten points, edging ahead of Scotland solely on goal difference. Their final match, a clash against the Scots, will determine the group winner and automatic qualification. The runner-up, meanwhile, will face the challenge of the play-offs, a route that Greek fans now know is out of reach for their side this year.
The battle for supremacy is expected to go down to the wire, with Denmark’s consistency and Scotland’s fighting spirit promising a dramatic conclusion to qualifiers.
The Wider Perspective
UK football fans are keenly watching Group C, not just for local hopes but for insight into emerging European powerhouses. Denmark’s blend of discipline and enterprise has earned respect throughout the qualifiers, and their journey resonates with British audiences rooting for Scotland and monitoring the changing European football landscape.
