With every Danish win so far, the dream of repeating 1992 has come closer to reality.
If they can get another one over the Czech Republic on Saturday, they have every right to start believing.
It has been a long, emotional tournament for Denmark so far. Christian Eriksen’s collapse in their opening match was a moment of adversity, it looked like they would not come back from, but a convincing victory over Russia in their last group game sent them through in second place, and they have not looked back since.
They wiped out Wales in their last 16 match with 4-0 winners, and they look like one of the form teams as they strive to channel the spirit of the European Championship winners 29 years ago and go all the way. But first and foremost, it’s the Czech Republic, and it will not be easy.
Here is the lineup Hjulmand will probably send out.
Schmeichel has been inspiring so far / Eurasia Sport Images / Getty Images
Kasper Schmeichel (GK) – The Leicester goalkeeper has already repeated his father’s achievement of winning the Premier League, and for every Euro 2020 victory he will be one step closer to doing the same at the European Championships.
Andreas Christensen (CB) – Made an absolute scream against Russia and looks at the mood at these championships.
Simon Kjaer (CB) – The longtime captain will level up as their third most leveled player of all time if he returns from injury to face the Czechs. He is expected to be in shape despite a fear of Wales.
Jannik Vestergaard (CB) – The tall Southampton defender’s form has convinced Hjulmand to stand behind three so far and he probably seems to come in again.
Joakim Maehle has been outstanding so far / Eurasia Sport Images / Getty Images
Daniel Wass (RWB) – Missed in the 16th victory over Wales due to injury, and while Jens Stryger Larsen did a good job in his place, the regular right-back will return if he is in shape.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (CM) – Has not missed a minute of euros so far and already has three assists to his name. The Tottenham midfielder is flying.
Thomas Delaney (CM) – Has not completed 90 minutes yet because Hjulmand handles the injured midfielder’s playing time, but he is a regular start and it seems unlikely that it will change soon.
Joakim Maehle (LWB) – The Atalanta man has been in inspired form in the Euro. He has scored goals in the last two matches and may get a big draw on the cards soon if he can keep it in Serie A.
Damsgaard and Dolberg celebrate / Eurasia Sport Images / Getty Images
Martin Braithwaite (RW) – His strike rate for his country may be less than inspiring, but he netted for the tenth time against Wales and looks set to retain a spot.
Kasper Dolberg (CF) – He had to wait patiently for his chances, but an injury to Yussuf Poulsen meant he was released for the Wales match and he had to count on a double. Poulsen is back now, but may have lost his starting place.
Mikkel Damsgaard (LW) – That’s unless the wonderful Damsgaard is allowed to rest. The 20-year-old, one of 90min’s Our 21, has so far impressed carefully and gone out of goal against Russia, but he is on a booking which means that a yellow card would exclude him from the semifinals.
