With a 2-1 win over Denmark, Belgium has successfully progressed to the last 16 of the European Championships. A brilliant goal from Kevin De Bruyne proved to be the difference, ensuring Belgium's place in the tournament's knockout rounds.
Following the tragic collapse of Christian Eriksen due to cardiac arrest in the Finland match, Denmark had to adjust their starting eleven and reorganize their formation to cope with the loss of their star playmaker.
Facing the world's number one ranked side, Denmark played with an impressive level of intensity and ambition. Their start was flawless, netting a goal in the opening two minutes via Poulsen—one of the fastest goals the European Championships has ever seen.
A defensive error by Jason Denayer gave Poulsen the opening he needed to fire the ball into the corner, giving the hosts an immediate lead. The goal was followed by a deeply emotional tribute as Poulsen ran to the area where Eriksen had fallen, while the stadium erupted in a powerful roar of support for their hospitalized teammate.
Ten minutes into the match, the referee halted play so the crowd could give a round of applause for Christian Eriksen. While Denmark created several opportunities, they couldn't convert them into more goals. On the other hand, Belgium struggled to break through the Danish defense; Schmeichel managed to punch away a dangerous corner from Carrasco, and in the 35th minute, Damsgaard's curled left-footed shot narrowly missed the far post.
Denmark held a 1-0 lead at the end of the first half, having successfully neutralized Belgium's attack. All eyes turned to the second half, with expectations that the world's top-ranked team would finally find their rhythm.
Looking to change the game, Belgium brought on Kevin De Bruyne to replace Dries Mertens; De Bruyne had missed the opening match against Russia due to a facial fracture. His presence immediately boosted the team's tempo and confidence. In the 54th minute, Romelu Lukaku beat the Danish defense and cut the ball back from the byline to De Bruyne, whose cross found Eden Hazard, who slotted home the equalizer.
Kevin De Bruyne then delivered a masterclass, sealing the victory with a powerful left-footed strike into the top corner. The goal in the 70th minute was a result of fantastic teamwork between Hazard, Lukaku, and Axel Witsel. Despite a desperate attempt to find an equalizer, Denmark remained scoreless for the rest of the match.