DENMARK wing-back Joakim Maehle produced a stunning cross with the outside of his boot against Czech Republic.
The 24-year-old’s superb ball set up prolific forward Kasper Dolberg to put the Scandinavians 2-0 up in their Euro 2020 quarter-final victory.
After being played in behind the Czech defence, Maehle looked up and hit the ball first time with the outside of his right foot.
Barcelona forward Martin Braithwaite, 30, threw himself at the cross as it swerved away from Tomas Vaclik in the Czech goal.
He failed to make contact – but Dolberg, 23, was waiting to place the ball into the roof of the net.
The Nice forward’s goal is his third of the Euros, making him the first Denmark international to score three at a major tournament since Newcastle flop Jon Dahl Tomasson at Euro 2004.
Maehle usually plays right wing-back for his club Atalanta, which explains why he didn’t opt for a more conventional cross with his left foot.
He signed for the Serie A club in January for a reported €10million – around £8.5m – after three-and-a-half seasons at Belgian side Genk.
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Maehle’s outrageous assist impressed Arsenal legend Ian Wright, who told ITV Sport: “Probably one of the passes of the tournament for me.
“Again Czech Republic, they’re so high, loads of space in behind, I don’t think they’ve done a lot of homework on Maehle as he’s been doing that all tournament.
“And that is a fantastic ball for Dolberg, who you know is in the box and even though it’s come off, kind of like his ankle, he’s in there and it’s a good enough ball, doesn’t need to direct too much on it.
“It’s a brilliant goal.”
Denmark took the lead against Czech Republic within the first five minutes after Borussia Dortmund star Thomas Delaney scored a free header.
Dolberg’s goal came just before half-time, although Patrik Schick halved the deficit moments after the interval with a neat finish.
The Danes held on for the win and they will face the winner of the game between England and Ukraine in the semi-finals at Wembley.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
