Denmark found out a last-16 tie with Wales within the European Championship after an emphatic and emotional victory over Russia on a frantic night in Copenhagen.
The Danes embraced one another at full-time, just nine days after team-mate Christian Eriksen collapsed on an equivalent dig in their tournament opener against Finland.
After suffering asystole Eriksen has since been discharged from hospital but the toll of an emotional last week was clear to ascertain in Denmark’s players upon the ultimate whistle.
And throughout the match there have been outbursts of roaring, delirious celebrations and keenness from supporters in Copenhagen.
Knowing they needed to win and hoping Belgium beat Finland, the hosts didn’t twiddling my thumbs and Mikkel Damsgaard set the stage alight with an exquisite long-range opener.
Chelsea’s Andreas Christensen also thumped during a stunning strike late on as news of Belgium’s lead over Finland trickled into the stadium.
Yussuf Poulsen had put Denmark 2-0 up, pouncing on a poor backpass from Roman Zobnin, before Artem Dzyuba got one back for Russia from the penalty spot.
But Denmark confirmed their progression as runners-up when Christensen and Joakim Maehle made it 4-1 during a rampant three minutes.
The result left Russia, who started the night in second place, bottom of the table and out of the tournament.
The Parken Stadium was electric before kick-off as fans sang a fanatical anthem , but it had been nothing compared to the scenes at full-time.
Players and staff were huddled within the centre of the pitch expecting confirmation of Belgium’s victory over Finland and there was an almighty roar when the result came through.
Denmark needed a victory and that they delivered for the fans – Damsgaard kicking things off with a flash of magic, becoming the country’s youngest goalscorer (20 years, 335 days) at a serious tournament within the process.
Poulsen was drenched beer thrown into the air by supporters when he netted Denmark’s second and though Dzyuba’s spot-kick created a flash of hysteria , it didn’t last long.
Denmark bombarded the Russian goal – keeper Matvey Safonov making variety of stunning saves – before Christensen’s thumping strike erupted the stadium another time .
Maehle’s composed finish capped it off and now Denmark head into the last 16 filled with confidence with Wales awaiting next on Saturday, 26 June in Amsterdam.
