Jensen hat-trick inspires Denmark

Egypt 1-4 Denmark
Claus Jensen scored a hat-trick as Denmark fought back from a goal down to beat ten-man Egypt in tonight’s friendly international in Cairo.

Unexpected lead
The home side took the lead through Ahmed Hassan after 20 minutes, as a fine passing move gave him the chance to shoot from a tight angle and, with Thomas Sørensen expecting a cross, Hassan caught the Denmark goalkeeper out with a powerful shot that crept in just under the crossbar.

Free-kick equaliser
However, Egypt’s chances of holding on to their slender advantage were dramatically reduced eight minutes later as Tarek El-Sayed was sent off for a foul on Denmark striker Jon Dahl Tomasson on the edge of the penalty area. The home team were immediately punished even further as Charlton Athletic FC midfield player Jensen curled in the resulting free-kick to bring his side back on level terms.

Denmark take command
In the second period, with Everton FC midfield player Thomas Gravesen increasingly influential, Denmark took control of the game and eventually ran out convincing winners. Gravesen began the move that led to Denmark’s second goal after 59 minutes, as his pass freed Jesper Grønkjær and the Chelsea winger’s cross gave Tomasson an easy chance.

Composed finish
Jensen’s second and Denmark’s third arrived nine minutes later, with Gravesen and Tomasson again involved before the midfield player applied a neat finish, and Jensen rounded off his side’s win with another fine finish from Gravesen’s pass in the 70th minute.

European action
Denmark lie third in UEFA EURO 2004™ Group 2 with four points from two games, and next visit second-placed Romania on 29 March.