Chelsea forward Pernille Harder scored two goals for Denmark this evening to move to within a goal of Merete Pederson’s all-time record goal tally of 65 for the nation.
The 27-year-old attacker started the evening on 62 senior international goals but she is now just one short of Pederson’s 11-year record after netting a brace in Denmark’s 4-0 UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 qualifying victory over Isreal in Viborg.
Despite there being a significant gulf in class between the two sides, Isreal held the Danes for 48 minutes at the Viborg Stadion before the hosts finally broke the deadlock through Harder.
The Danish captain, who was making her 121st senior international appearance, soon found the back of the net again as her side established a comfortable lead with 35 minutes left to play.
An own goal from Isreali defender Irena Kuznezov then put Lars Sondergaard’s side three goals clear of the visitors before Sofie Pedersen’s strike completed the scoring late on as Denmark continued their perfect record in qualifying.
Given their superior goal difference, Denmark will secure their place at England 2022 if they avoid defeat against nearest challengers Italy in their next group match at the StadionCarlo Castellani in Empoli on Tuesday afternoon.
In addition to Harder’s appearance for Denmark this evening, Everton’s Nicoline Sorensen and Aston Villa’s Stine Larsen also started the match, although the pair were withdrawn during the second half.