‘PROUD and emotional’ Peter Schmeichel delighted in seeing Denmark set up a Euro 2020 semi-final with England.
Kasper Hjulmand’s side will travel to London to take on the Three Lions at Wembley on Wednesday night – knowing a spot in the final is up for grabs.
That is after Denmark beat Czech Republic 2-1 in Baku yesterday.
Thomas Delaney and Kasper Dolberg both found the net in the first half before Patrick Schick pulled one back for the Czechs.
And the full-time whistle sparked more celebrations among the Danish camp, who were rocked by Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest on the pitch just three weeks ago.
Schmeichel’s son Kasper, 34, has played a crucial role in the Danes’ run to the final four.
And the legendary Manchester United goalkeeper shared his joy on beIN Sports last night.
The 57-year-old said: “I have to say Kasper Hjulmand and his players keep impressing me and keep producing something out of the ordinary. My god, what a performance by this team.
“When you think that three weeks ago today these players watched a team-mate have a cardiac arrest on the pitch. They were all hurt by that.
“To reach the semi-final and to play so well, I’m just very, very proud. This is very emotional.
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“I won’t say it’s unexpected because I always knew this team were very good but you still need to produce the results and win and they have.
“The Danish defence led by Simon Kjaer my god, how good were they? I’m very proud to be Danish right now. I’m so happy. We’re in the semi-finals and it’s brilliant!”
Midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg was also overwhelmed with emotion, breaking down in tears on the the pitch.
Manager Hjulmand said: “I am still thinking of Christian every single day. He should have been here.
“We are happy that he survived. We carry him all the way to this match and all the way to Wembley. I think about him all of the time.
“We are just happy and proud we can maybe just remind ourselves why we love football and what football can do in the world.”
Schmeichel Sr lifted the trophy at Euro 1992 and will be hoping Leicester goalkeeper Kasper follows in his footsteps 29 years later.
The team and the nation are inspired to do Eriksen proud as he watches on from home, continuing his recovery.
However, they must overcome an in-form England side who boast a 12-4 winning record against the Danes – although Eriksen sealed a 1-0 win at Wembley in their last meeting in October.
Reflecting after England stuffed Ukraine 4-0, SunSport columnist Jose Mourinho said: “It is going to be more difficult, as Denmark are much better than Ukraine, but England are strong and playing well and are confident.
“Denmark are solid and they have found a different way to play without Christian Eriksen. With Eriksen they played with four at the back and a No 10.
“But now they are playing three at the back and they have solid, good players in the best leagues with lots of experience.
“They are very positive, despite what happened, and look to be emotionally strong plus controlled and with a great team spirit.
“Tactically, they know what they are doing — they have found a way of playing football that is solid and effective.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
