Man Utd's Hojlund helps Denmark survive San Marino scare

Denmark, losing Euro semi-finalists to England two years ago, avoided an almighty shock with a nervy 2-1 win in San Marino to stay second in Group H. The Danes could make sure of qualification in their next match with a win against group leaders Slovenia next month. But they had to work hard against perennial losers San Marino, despite taking a first-half lead through Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund.

Denmark created very little and were made to pay as Alessandro Golinucci pounced to score San Marino's first goal in Euro qualifying for four years to equalise in the 61st minute. But Danish substitute Yussuf Poulsen broke San Marino hearts, steering a header into the far corner with 20 minutes to play.

San Marino have now lost 83 of their 84 Euro qualifiers - the sole exception a goalless draw with Estonia in 2014. Panathinaikos midfielder Adam Gnezda Cerin kept Slovenia top as he netted the winner in a 1-0 victory over Northern Ireland in Belfast. But Slovenia still need another win from their last two matches to clinch a place at the finals, after Bakhtiyor Zainutdinov's late double snatched Kazakhstan a dramatic 2-1 win in Finland.

The Kazakhs, who next host San Marino, visit Slovenia in the two teams' final game, which could prove a winner-takes-all affair. Hungary missed the chance to wrap up progression from Group G despite coming back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Lithuania. Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai scored a penalty and created Barnabas Varga's leveller as Hungary edged closer to booking a ticket to Germany.

An Aleksandar Mitrovic brace and Dusan Tadic's goal helped Serbia beat Montenegro 3-1 to stay second. Serbia sit one point behind Hungary and five clear of Montenegro, although they have played a game more than their rivals.

 

October 17, 2023