‘That is just RIDICULOUS’: Andreas Christensen hits screamer as Denmark book their last-16 spot at Euro 2020 by thrashing Russia… with Rio Ferdinand stunned by Chelsea star’s rocket
Both Andreas Christensen’s thunderous strike and his wild, emotional celebration came from the heart on Monday, as the Chelsea star’s screamer helped send Denmark into the last-16.
Into minute 79, with the score at 2-1 and the Danes on the brink of confirming second place in Group B at Euro 2020, the ball was frantically cleared by Russia after a double save by Matvei Safonov. Christensen wasn’t even in the shot.
With Finland losing against Belgium, a two-goal lead would all-but complete an emotional mission. Up stepped Denmark’s No.6, striding up to rocket the ball into the net from 25 yards.
Andreas Christensen scored the goal of his life on Monday as Denmark made the Euros last-16
The Chelsea centre-back strode up in the 79th minute to slam home a screamer from 25 yards
Wheeling away in glory, Christensen had all-but confirmed Denmark’s spot in the next phase
Christensen beat his chest as his team-mates piled in to celebrate. Joakim Maehle struck again moments later, with a 4-1 victory seeing them through just nine days after their team-mate Christian Eriksen collapsed against Finland.
‘Can you hit a ball cleaner than that, that’s just ridiculous,’ Rio Ferdinand said, reacting on punditry duty for the BBC.
‘What a strike! The keeper couldn’t get anywhere near this one,’ Dion Dublin screamed on commentary.
‘The ball goes out of shot on the screen we’re looking at, it’s 25 yards out, Christensen puts his head down and hits it with his right foot and the keeper can’t do anything – it’s over his right shoulder!
As his team-mates and coach Kasper Hjulmand piled-in to celebrate, Denmark went wild
The goal was an apt tribute to team-mate Christian Eriksen after he collapsed nine days ago
‘What a strike, you’ll never hit a sweeter one.’
Eriksen’s cardiac arrest left Denmark’s players in shock, but they were forced to restart their clash with Finland only hours later.
Denmark, understandably, lost that game 1-0 and were left with a tough task to qualify.
Eriksen made a surprise visit to the squad on Friday after being discharged from hospital, in what would doubtless have been a massive boost for the Danes.
They go through to the last-16 on goal difference, all thanks to their thumping win on Monday night and limiting Romelu Lukaku and Co to only a 2-1 victory when they took on Belgium.