Denmark maintained their unbeaten run in World Cup qualifying with a 3-1 home victory over Greece on Sunday, a result that ended the visitors’ hopes of reaching next year’s tournament and set up a tense finale in Group C.
With two matches remaining, Denmark lead the group with 10 points — level with Scotland but ahead on goal difference. The two teams will meet next month in a potential group decider, with the winner earning automatic qualification and the runner-up heading to the playoffs.
Both Denmark and Scotland are already assured of at least a playoff spot, while Greece, sitting third with just three points, can no longer advance.
“We didn’t play our best today,” admitted Denmark midfielder Morten Hjulmand. “But the three points are what matter most. Sometimes you don’t hit your top level, and I don’t think we did — but we still won 3-1 against a strong side.”
Greece started brightly and dominated early possession, but a costly mistake in the 21st minute gifted Denmark the opener. Christos Zafeiris’ misplaced back pass was intercepted by Rasmus Højlund, who slotted home with ease.
Joachim Andersen made it 2-0 in the 40th minute with a header from Mikkel Damsgaard’s corner, and just a minute later, Damsgaard capitalized on another Greek defensive blunder to score into an empty net.
Denmark eased off after the interval, allowing Greece to pull one back in the 63rd minute through Christos Tzolis, whose powerful strike beat Kasper Schmeichel — the first goal Denmark have conceded in the qualifiers.
Despite a late surge from the visitors, Schmeichel and Andersen combined to preserve the two-goal cushion, with the goalkeeper denying Giannis Konstantelias and Andersen clearing Vangelis Pavlidis’ effort off the line.
