Spain have set up a UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 quarter-final against England after defeating Denmark 1-0 in Brentford this evening.
A crowd of more than 16,000 turned out at the Brentford Community Stadium to watch the deciding game in Group B. Spain only needed a draw to secure progression whilst Denmark had to win.
The first half played out much as you might have expected with Spain dominating possession, although they were held largely in the middle third of the pitch. Denmark looked to counter with a decisive through ball, often searching for the boot of Chelsea’s Pernille Harder. Those rare Danish attacks were feeling dangerous when they occurred and Harder was through on goal after 15 minutes, however, she could only shoot straight at the keeper at the near post.
As the half wore on, Spain’s patience paid dividends as they were able to progress into the final third. Just after 20 minutes, they had their first real chance on goal but Danish keeper Lene Christensen came out to claim the ball. Christensen made several further interventions while just before half-time, defender Simone Boye Sørensen performed an important clearance to send the sides in level.
Spain made three substitutions after the break and the fresh legs certainly helped as they continued their possession play, though there were a few more long balls played around the Danish defence. With 20 minutes to go, Christensen made another save as she denied Olga Carmona.
Within a minute, Harder was closing in on the Spanish goal at the other end. She sent her shot narrowly over and Denmark took their turn to make some changes. Within five minutes, one of those substitutes was making her presence felt as Nadia Nadim forced an excellent save from Sandra Paños, the pass coming from who else but Harder.
In the final minute of normal time, Spain finally sealed the win as Marta Cardona rose high at the back post to meet a cross and head the ball into the back of the net. Spain once again defied expectation at this tournament by scoring from a header.
Denmark defended well and had their chances in front of goal but ulitmately, the passing game of Spain takes them to Brighton on Wednesday and a quarter-final appointment with the Lionesses.