Poulsen sends Denmark through

Denmark are through to the play-offs for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship finals after a 1-0 win in their Group 2 game against Georgia in Farum.

Danes dominate
Although injuries had robbed the Danes of the services of defender Leon Andreasen and forward Morten Rasmussen, they dominated from the kick-off, but with the pace of the game remaining slow, they could find little purchase against a well-organised Georgian defence.

Wingers dangerous
Danish wingers Jonas Kamper and Jacob Sørensen provided a constant threat to the Georgian back-line with some teasing crosses in the first half, but they could not create any real opportunities. The Danes' best chances came with long-range strikes from Kasper Lorentzen, Nicolai Høgh, Rasmus Würtz, and Kamper.

More urgency
However, the home side looked more urgent after the half-time interval and, increasingly, they were able to make their pressure tell. They finally made the breakthrough after 68 minutes as midfielder Jacob Poulsen converted a free-kick from just outside the penalty area.

Late opportunites
The goal spurred a defence-minded Georgian side into attack, but their surges forward were only to provide more chances for Denmark, and Simon Poulsen, Jacob Poulsen and Kamper all had good chances to extend the home side's lead before the final whistle.

Decisive win
However, there was no need for any further goals, as victory ensured that the Danes top slot in their group, and a crowd of 1,024 were able to celebrate qualifying for the U21 play-offs for the second time in succession.

Serritslev happy
"It turned out to be just as difficult as we had anticipated, but in the second half we managed to increase our pace and put more pressure on our opponents," said Denmark coach Flemming Serritslev. "I think it is fantastic that we have qualifed with two games left, and I am also relieved that we succeeded today."