PLAYER RATINGS: Thomas Delaney hugely influential as Denmark reach the semi-final

Denmark are now one step away from the Euro 2020 final after they beat Czech Republic 2-1 on Saturday evening.  

Thomas Delaney and Kasper Dolberg gave Denmark a 2-0 lead, and Czech Republic could not find a way back into the game despite Patrik Schick’s early second-half goal. 

Denmark could now potentially face England in the last-four and Sportsmail assesses the performances from both sides after an enthralling affair.

Thomas Delaney impressed for Denmark as they reached the semi-final of Euro 2020

Thomas Delaney impressed for Denmark as they reached the semi-final of Euro 2020

Czech Republic (4-2-3-1)

Tomas Vaclik- 6 

Made a really good save to prevent Mikkel Damsgaard scoring in the first-half but not much he could have done with either of Denmark’s goals. 

Jan Boril- 4

Arguably had a part to play in both of Denmark’s first-half goals in what was a really tough game for the left-back.

Poor marking from him and Tomas Kalas left Thomas Delaney free to score the opener before he allowed Kasper Dolberg to get in ahead of him to poke home Denmark’s second goal.

Caught up the field on more than one occasion, struggled to cope with Jens Stryger Larsen and Mikkel Damsgaard and arguably should have got a yellow card.   

Tomas Kalas- 5

Like Jan Boril, had a part to play in Denmark’s opener as they got distracted by Jannik Vestegaard’s run which left Thomas Delaney free for an easy header.

Has had an impressive tournament but was part of a defence against Denmark that looked flaky at times on Saturday evening.

Jan Boril had a tough game and arguably could have done better with both of Denmark's goals

Jan Boril had a tough game and arguably could have done better with both of Denmark’s goals 

Ondrej Celustka- 6

Like his centre-back partner he struggled with Denmark’s forward players at times throughout the game before he was substituted in the second-half as Czech Republic searched for a second goal.

Vladimir Coufal – 7

On what was a frustrating day for his team, the West Ham full-back did offer some threat down the right-flank and provided the assist for Patrick Schick’s second-half goal.

Arguably could have done better though as he lost Joakim Maehle down his side before the Danish wing-back put in a stunning cross for their second goal.  

Tomas Soucek- 6

The West Ham man was in the wars getting his head onto everything and even needed to be bandaged up after a collision of heads.

Tried his best throughout but couldn’t influence the game and struggled as his team looked leggy in the second-half after their goal.

Tomas Holes  – 5

Had a good chance to punish Denmark when they were 1-0 down, but he was unable to capitalise on Kasper Schmeichel’s mistake. 

Was taken off at half time which looked the right decision as Czech Republic showed more fire as they came out for the second-half.

Petr Sevcik- 6

Was lively in spells throughout the game but lacked any real end product and put in some poor passes.

Looked tired as the game went on so it was no surprise when he was taken off. 

Tomas Soucek was in the wars for throughout but struggled to impact the game for his side

Tomas Soucek was in the wars for throughout but struggled to impact the game for his side

Antonin Barak- 6

Tried his best to help his side get back into the game during the first-half where he was one of the better players for Czech Republic.

Second-half though he never really got going and offered little as they searched for a second goal. 

Josef Masopust – 5

Struggled to impact the game in a first half that got away from his side. Was sacrificed as his manager looked to improve their fortunes in the second-half. 

Patrik Schick- 7

Joined Cristiano Ronaldo at the top of the Euro 2020 goal-scoring charts with his early second-half goal that gave his side a chance of getting back into the game. 

Had little service in the second-half which means his fantastic tournament has come to an end but he should be happy with his contributions this summer. 

Patrik Schick gave his side a glimmer of hope at the start of the second-half

Patrik Schick gave his side a glimmer of hope at the start of the second-half 

Manager 

Jaroslav Silhavy- 6

His half-time substitutions made an immediate impact as Czech Republic got one goal back on Denmark. His side had a lot of possession in the second-half but lacked any real cutting edge after their goal.

Subs: Michael Krmencik (Masopust 46) 6, Jacub Jankto (Holes 46) 6, Jakub Brabec (Celustka) 6 

DENMARK (3-4-3)

Kasper Schmeichel -6

Nearly put his team under pressure when his pass out went straight to Josef Masopust but he recovered the situation well by closing down Tomas Holes’ shot.

Didn’t have too much to deal with in the second-half despite all of Czech Republic’s possession. 

Jannik Vestergaard- 7

Defended well for the most part and it was his searching pass that sent Joakim Maehle bursting down the left flank to set up the second goal.

Was nutmegged in the build-up for Schick’s early second-half goal but was comfortable throughout the game.  

Simon Kjaer – 8

Was a commanding presence for Denmark throughout the game and handled everything that was thrown in his way well. 

Andreas Christensen- 7

The Chelsea man similar to the captain dealt with everything professionally as Czech Republic searched for an equaliser in the second-half. 

Joakim Maehle- 7

Barely noticed him in the opening 40 minutes before a stunning cross hit first time with the outside of his boot left Kasper Dolberg with an easy tap-in at the back post.    

Thomas Delaney- 8

The Borussia Dortmund midfielder’s textbook header gave Denmark the perfect start within five minutes. 

Had another big chance in the opening 20 minutes but perhaps didn’t expect the chance to fall for him as the ball came off his knee.  

Pierre-Emile Hojberg- 7

The Tottenham man was pulling the strings from deep and pulled off some threatening passes 

Jens Stryger Larsen –  7 

 Put in a perfect delivery for Thomas Delaney to open the scoring 

Mikkel Damsgaard – 6

Lively as ever this tournament but will have been disappointed he didn’t kill off the game with his chance on 12 minutes after being put through by Pierre-Emile Hojberg.  

Kasper Dolberg – 7 

Quiet in the first half until he was set up beautifully by Joakim Maehle’s cross for the second goal. 

Martin Braithwaite- 7

Tried to make things happen and was a menace for the Czech Republic defence whenever Denmark went forward though didn’t offer much end product.

Manager 

Kasper Hjulmund – 7

Appeared calm when Czech Republic pushed on for a second goal and his changes did enough to keep their opponents at bay. 

source: dailymail.co.uk