Denmark looking to best Wales
Denmark has been through a lot so far at Euro 2020, playing its opening three games at home at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen.
Now, it is looking to advance, playing in what is considered a second home for Danish players, facing Wales Saturday (9 a.m. PT, TSN), at the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam.
“We're really looking forward to this after a great experience at Parken Stadium and some crazy days,” said Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand on Friday. “We beat Russia, which is why we're here, and now we're playing against Wales in the next round. We're playing in Christian Eriksen's old home and we're so excited to give it all we have against Wales.
“I respect Wales and all they have done over the last few years. They remind us a lot about ourselves and they are so proud to represent their country. Everyone supports them and the players go out to play their best football and we respect Wales a lot.”
Eriksen will be at home cheering on his Danish teammates after collapsing in the opening match against Finland and going into cardiac arrest. The former Tottenham Hotspur, who now plays in Italy for Inter Milan, started his professional career in the Netherlands with Ajax.
“If there is a club that means a lot for Danish football and has meant so much for Denmark, it is Ajax,” Hjulmand said. “They have been developing and improving Danish players, so there is a huge connection between Ajax and Denmark.
“We have three players who play there and Christian was 16 when he went to Ajax and he left the club five years later. I could mention so many players who were recruited in Denmark and started their professional career in Ajax.”
Hjulmand hopes playing in Amsterdam can match playing in front of 25,000 fans at the Parken Arena.
“We have a huge connection to this city and I hope everyone in the Netherlands will feel the same thing (Saturday),” he said.
CAN WALES REPEAT?
Wales made it to the semifinal of Euro 2016, an unlikely run for the small country playing in its first major tournament.
Now facing Denmark in the Round of 16 five years later, Wales is looking to go on another unlikely run, with the winner facing either Netherland or the Czech Republic in the quarter-finals.