Topics: UEFA Euro 2020, Denmark, Russia, Yussuf Poulsen
The Danes had their chances of qualifying to the knockout stage significantly boosted by a goal gifted to them in a rather bizarre manner.

Denmark had their chances of qualifying to the knockout phase of the European Championship significantly boosted after capitalising on a defensive blunder in Monday's clash with Russia. An erroneous back pass to goalkeeper Mateyev Safanov fell in the path of Yusuf Poulsen who made no mistake to give his side a two-goal cushion.

After suffering successive defeats in their first two games against Finland and Belgium, the Danes needed a win and a favor from the latter to keep their pursuit for a place in the knockout round alive. Mikkel Damsgaard gave them the upper-hand inside the 38th minute by finishing off a pass from Højbjerg, breaking the deadlock in the process. Fourteen minutes after play resumed for the second half, the biggest moment unravelled itself for Kasper Hjulmand's men with a backpass intended for Russia's goalkeeper missing its way.

Yussuf Poulsen, who was making his way out of the opposition's box and was seemingly seconds away from being substituted, pounced on the loose ball to slot home his side's second of the night. Watch the goal below:

With the goal, the Danes leaped into second position on the Group B table due to Finland conceding against Belgium in the other encounter which was being played at the Saint Petersburg Stadium concurrently. On the other hand, Russia were momentarily demoted to fourth and on the brink of elimination. However, a lot changed in less than five minutes with Belgium's inital opener by Romelu Lukaku being ruled for offside and Russia earning a penalty which was converted by skipper Artem Dzyuba.

The rollercoaster of emotions was tuned up after news of Belgium finally scoring a legitimate goal hit the Parken Stadium with less than 16 minutes to play. This time, an own-goal by Finnish goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky had put the Red Devils ahead. Three minutes later, the euphoria in Copenhagen was bumped up after Andreas Christensen scored a belter to restore the two goal cushion. 

Joakim Maehle then sealed the deal by scoring Denmark's fourth in the 82nd minute. Over in Saint Petersburg, Belgium had increased their advantage to two through Romelu Lukaku. The result handed the qualification ticket on three points whereas Finland settled for third position with three points and a negative two goal deficit. Needless to say, they could still qualify as one of the best second-runners up provided results from elsewhere go in their favor. 

For Denmark, their epic story is set to continue in the Round of 16 when they go up against Wales.