Paris (AFP)
Upset by the cardiac arrest of Christian Eriksen, Denmark must absolutely beat Russia on Monday (9 p.m.) to see the knockout stages of the Euro, while the surprising Finland must trap Belgium to continue its epic.
In Group C, the stake is simple: the winner of Austria-Ukraine (6 p.m.) will accompany the Netherlands, already qualified, in the eighth.
In Bucharest, a draw could nevertheless arrange the two adversaries: the men of Andriy Shevchenko would be, in this case, second in the group, and the teammates of David Alaba would have, with 4 points, a good chance of passing as better third.
But with the risk of falling against an ogre (France, Portugal, Spain ...) from the eighth ...
The "Oranje", sure to be first in the group and meet in the eighth a third drafted, play for the honor in Amsterdam against North Macedonia, already eliminated.
# photo1
In group B, where Belgium is already assured of its qualification, the question is which team from the North will accompany the Red Devils.
Finland, Russia and Denmark are still in contention, with chances of seeing the eighth.
Finland (3 pts) faces the Belgians (6 pts) in Saint Petersburg (9 p.m.), with the best and the worst in perspective: it can either finish first in the group or be eliminated, depending on its result and that of Russia-Denmark, in Copenhagen (9 p.m.).
"This is the most important game in our history. A big dream can come true, namely qualification. It's in our hands," warned Finnish coach Markkus Kanerva.
# photo2
Nine days after the terrible cardiac arrest of their midfielder Christian Eriksen, the Danes (0 pts) still have a small chance to go to the eighth.
The victory against the Russians (3 pts) is imperative, and their final position (second or candidates for the draft of the best third) would then depend on the result of Finland.
Perhaps with complex calculations involved.
The program:
Group B
1st day:
Belgium - Russia 3 - 0
Denmark - Finland 0 - 1
2nd day:
Finland - Russia 0 - 1
Denmark - Belgium 1 - 2
3rd day:
Monday, in Saint Petersburg: Finland - Belgium (9:00 p.m.)
Monday, in Copenhagen: Russia - Denmark (9 p.m.)
Group C
1st day:
Austria - North Macedonia 3 - 1
Netherlands - Ukraine 3 - 2
2nd day:
Thursday, Bucharest: Ukraine - North Macedonia 2 - 1
Thursday, in Amsterdam: Netherlands - Austria 2 - 0
3rd day:
Monday, in Amsterdam: North Macedonia - Netherlands (6 p.m.)
Monday, Bucharest: Ukraine - Austria (6:00 p.m.)
© 2021 AFP