Everton defender on target as Denmark thrash Bosnia in Zenica

Everton defender Rikke Sevecke was on target for Denmark as they defeated Bosnia & Herzegovina 4-0 in an UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 qualifying match in Zenica this afternoon.

The Danes returned to competitive action for the first time since March when they finished in fifth place in the Algarve Cup.

Lars Sondergaard’s side went into their latest qualifying fixture against the Bosnians with a perfect record after five matches while they were yet to concede a goal. The hosts will have been fearful of Denmark’s attacking threat with the nation having hit  29 goals in just five matches ahead of their trip to the FF BH Football Training Centre in Zenica.

The Bosnians were the subject of a continuous bombardment of Denmark attacks from the off but they managed to hold out until the 38th minute when they conceded a penalty. Experienced defender Nikolina Dijakovic committed a foul in the area and Nadia Nadim struck home the resulting spot kick.

Denmark doubled their lead two minutes before the break when Sanne Troelsgaard fired in before Everton defender Sevecke made it 3-0 deep in first half stoppage time. It was just Sevecke’s second senior international goal with the player having previously netted in the 8-0 home victory over Malta in August 2019. At club level, Sevecke has featured in both of new side Everton’s opening matches in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League as The Blue Girls have made a perfect start to the season.

The second half of Denmark’s fixture in Bosnia was more like a training match given their sizeable lead. Nanna Christiansen’s goal at the death capped off a 4-0 victory for Sondergaard’s side who turned up the pressure on Italy at the top of their UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 qualifying group.

Sevecke’s Everton teammate Nicoline Sorensen also started the match for Denmark this afternoon while fellow Barclays FA Women’s Super League stars Pernille Harder and Stine Larsen were also involved.