Madsen downs depleted Belgium
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Article summary
Denmark 2-1 Belgium
Two goals from Emma Madsen gave Denmark victory against a Belgian side that had Adeline Médard sent off.
Article body
Two goals from Emma Madsen gave Denmark a 2-1 comeback victory against a Belgian side that struggled to cope after the 53rd-minute sending-off of Adeline Médard.
Sapping heat
Belgium started the game brightly in temperatures that approached 30C, stifling the Danish attack with an efficient offside trap and going in front through a fine low shot from Kristien Elsen on 33 minutes that gave goalkeeper Cecilie Sørensen no chance. Three minutes before the break Denmark finally got beyond the last Belgian defender, and Madsen finished coolly with her left foot when one-on-one with Sofie Van Houtyen.
Telling contribution
In the second half both sides started to wilt in the heat, especially Belgium after they were reduced to ten by Médard's red card. Just over 20 minutes remained when Madsen made her second telling contribution, dribbling through the right channel and finding the net from the edge of the box.
