Andreas Skov Olsen was the super-sub as Denmark secured yet another thumping 4-0 victory, this time over Austria on Wednesday.
Denmark maintained their stunning form in the European qualifiers, capping off their excellent international window with a 4-0 win over Austria. It was a comprehensive victory that helps them remain at the top of Group F with nine points in three matches.
The Danes, though, endured a very tricky start to the game as the Austrian defence managed to keep things quiet for the majority of the first-team. Joakim Maehle came closest to scoring for the away team, but it was goalless at half-time nonetheless.
In the second half, Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand made a smart decision of introducing Andreas Skov Olsen in the 55th minute, with the winger changing the course of the game with two goals, including a 58th minute opener.
Maehle and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg were on target as well, though it was Olsen who netted the fourth goal to add the final glass in the scoreline. And here, at The Hard Tackle, we will take a closer look at the Denmark players following their comfortable victory over Austria this midweek.
Kasper Schmeichel: 6/10
Kasper Schmeichel had virtually nothing to do as Austria caused very little threat going forward. In fact, the hosts failed to muster even a single shot on target with an overall tally of just five attempts on goal. It led to an easy clean sheet for the Leicester City man, who will be hoping for a similar outing in the upcoming game against Manchester City.
Watched most of Denmark‘s incredible 4:0 win in Austria with all 4 goals coming in the 2nd half. Austria folded after conceding 1st goal on 58 mins. Denmark perfect points wise with victories in Austria & Israel. #AUTDEN 0:4.
— Derek Rae (@RaeComm) March 31, 2021
Daniel Wass: 7/10
Operating in the right-back position, Daniel Wass mostly camped in the opposition half, due to Denmark’s complete domination in the game. He made some good inroads into the final third, providing his teammates with an additional passing option.
Simon Kjaer: 7.5/10
Simon Kjaer was a vital cog in the Danish defence, showcasing excellent leadership and aggression to keep the likes of Sasa Kalajdzic and Marcel Sabitzer at bay. The AC Milan star made a total of six clearances and three interceptions while winning four ground duels throughout the ninety minutes.
Andreas Christensen: 7/10
Andreas Christensen didn’t have much to do for the most part as Austrians provided very little threat going forward. However, his defensive support to Kjaer was vital in helping the away side retain a clean sheet, even against a strong attacking unit.
Joakim Maehle: 9/10
Joakim Maehle was one of Denmark’s best performers in this game, producing a brilliant display in the left-back position. He made numerous darting runs into the final third, adding the width in the attack while being involved in some excellent link-up before netting the second goal with a neat finish.
In Denmark too. 6 goals and 4 assists from Serie A players in the last two games.
M. Damsgaard: 2 goals/2 assists
A. Skov Olsen: 2 goals/2 assists
J. Mæhle: 1 goal
J. Stryger Larsen: 1 goal pic.twitter.com/KqVhVfGwFh— Tom Krus ❤️? (@GianniRivera69) March 31, 2021
Thomas Delaney: 9/10
Thomas Delaney had a blast in central midfield as he completely dominated the likes of Xaver Schlager and Stefan Ilsanker with his tackling, aggression and work-ethic. The Borussia Dortmund ace also bagged two assists, including a sumptuous angled cross to feed Skov Olsen for the opener. A comprehensive, all-round display in the middle of the park.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg: 9/10
Much like Delaney, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg had an excellent game at the base of Denmark’s 4-2-3-1. He pressurised the Austrian ball-carriers at every instance, thus winning back possession for his team while also producing some brilliant long balls forward. Also netted the third goal with a cool attempt in an empty net while bagging the assist for the fourth.
Yussuf Poulsen: 6/10
Yussuf Poulsen was not overly involved in the game as much as some of his teammates, especially as Denmark employed a left-sided overload. In fact, the RB Leipzig forward could only muster 33 touches on the ball before being replaced by the game-changer Skov Olsen in the 55th minute.
????? Denmark inflict Austria's heaviest competitive home defeat in their history…
⚽️ Olsen (2), Mæhle, Højbjerg #WCQ pic.twitter.com/QnSWAWfxhP
— European Qualifiers (@EURO2020) March 31, 2021
Christian Eriksen: 7.5/10
Christian Eriksen had a solid game in the number ten role, even though he was not involved for large parts of the game. He kept things neat and tidy, looking extremely dangerous with his long balls forward in the build-up. He notably released Martin Braithwaite for the third goal, in what can be deemed as a pre-assist.
Martin Braithwaite: 7.5/10
Martin Braithwaite deserves credit for remaining his cool in a foot race against Alexander Schlager and selflessly passing the ball to Hojbjerg for Denmark’s third goal of the night. Didn’t do too much otherwise, but helped his team maintain the pressure on the opposition.
Jonas Wind: 6/10
Jonas Wind was given the nod ahead of Kasper Dolberg despite the latter’s excellent performance against Moldova. Unfortunately for the youngster, he couldn’t impress much either, accumulating just 24 touches and attempting just one shot on goal before being subbed off midway through the second half.
SUBSTITUTES
Andreas Skov Olsen: 10/10
Andreas Skov Olsen was by far the pick of the performers in Denmark’s comprehensive win over Austria. He changed the complexion of the game after coming in the 55th minute, adding the productivity and penetration with his smart runs in behind the backline. Star of the show.
Andreas Skov Olsen for Denmark national team:
✅5 games
⏱️174 minutes
⚽️3 goals
?️4 assists
?directly involved in a goal every 25 minutes21 years of age. Exciting times for all Danish football fans! ?? pic.twitter.com/A0RfgJyslp
— Football Talent Scout – Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) March 31, 2021
Joachim Andersen: 6.5/10
Joachim Andersen was introduced around the 65th minute at the expense of Wind. It was a defensive change from Hjulmand, who was hoping for some defensive resistance after his side scored two goals in quick successions.
Christian Norgaard: N/A
A late replacement for Delaney. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Jens Stryger Larsen: N/A
A late replacement for Wass. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
