Chelsea forward Pernille Harder captained Denmark to a goalless draw with Italy in Viborg this evening in her nation’s final UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 qualifying match.
The 28-year-old played the full 90 minutes for the Danes as they secured the point needed to top their qualification group, although they had already secured their place at the tournament finals in England in 2022.
It had been a nervous build up to the match for Harder with the player being one of three English-based Danish stars given permission to travel home without having to quarantine upon their return to the UK at the last minute.
Denmark dominated the possession against Italy this evening and had more attempts on goal but they were unable to find a way of breaking a stubborn visiting defence. Captain Harder was searching for her record-equalling 65th senior international goal for her country but she was unable to find the back of the net as her wait to top the Danish goalscoring charts goes on. The forward was inches away from equalling Merete Pedersen’s goal record for Denmark in the second half but she saw an effort come back off the woodwork.
The Danes were assured of qualification for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 as one of the best group runners-up as a worst case scenario going into the match but they can now celebrate completing the job after beating Italy to top spot.
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