June 25 – Another goalless draw in Group C where the ball in the back of the net has become as rare as a sighting of a lesser spotted woodpecker, left Serbia exiting with their peckers very much down as the Danes and the majestic Christian Ericksen move into the knockout rounds.
Denmark went into the game knowing that they would book a spot in the last 16 simply by avoiding defeat at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
Serbia, who were just seconds away from likely elimination against Slovenia before grabbing a last gasp equaliser, had to win if they were to progress.
Serbia were without injured Juventus winger Filip Kostic while Denmark had Thomas Delaney available following a bout of illness.
Denmark, predictably, took control early, dominating proceedings but failing to create solid chances. Kasper Hojlund’s early effort weakly went into Pedrog Rajkovic’s arms.
Christian Eriksen began to see more of the ball, orchestrating Denmark’s transition with Joakim Maehle always an option out left.
Alexander Bah called for a penalty following a nudge in the box but the referee ruled play-on – it was a bit of a stretch.
Erickson tested Rajkovic from distance, who got down well to push wide. The Danes well on top after half an hour with 61% possession, three shots, and four corners. Serbia had failed to have a shot or even a corner.
Denmark eventually had the ball is in the net after Eriksen’s corner, but the ball went out of play from his delivery, so the goal was chalked off. Denmark kept pushing.
At half time Denmark were in control but had nothing to show for it.
Serbia came out with more intent in the second half and Denmark breathed a sigh of relief as Joachim Andersen of Crystal Palace slides the ball into his own net from a Serbian cross.
An offside in the build-up kept the score goalless but it was so nearly the moment Serbia craved.
At the other end the towering Jannick Vestergaard got up well from a corner but planted his hearer right into the path of goalkeeper Rajkovic.
With the game running down Serbia created late opportunities. The always competitive Aleksandar Mitrovic curled a shot wide and found time to go toe-to-toe with Vestergaard. Dusan Vlahovic headed on to the roof of the net while Sergej Milinkovic-Savic had a shot in target – Serbia’s first – but ultimately Denmark were untroubled.
Serbia are never far from controversy and their fans once again were at the centre of it throwing objects on to the pitch and stopping play twice as stewards and Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel cleared them.
A stadium announcement pleaded with fans to stop hurling objects, as Serbia and their fans ultimately exited the tournament. They won’t be missed by UEFA or the German organisers.
Denmark now face Group A winners Germany in Dortmund on Saturday night.
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