Denmark smash 5 past Isreal

It was a true showdown in qualifying pool F, when the group's two top teams, Denmark and Israel, clashed in the Danish capital. With a victory, the Danes could take a decisive step towards direct qualification, while the Israelis almost had to pick up three points to maintain contact with Denmark in first place.

Only ten minutes had to pass before the net began to flutter in the Park for the first time. Eran Zahavi was sent off alone against Kasper Schmeichel, and the Israeli striker scored safely. However, the linebacker marked for offside, and after a trip to VAR, that decision was upheld.

The Danes had generally not come too well from the start, but after 25 minutes they still took the lead. Mikkel Damsgaard completely put an Israeli in a good turn in the middle of the field, and after a somewhat alternative one-two with Andreas Skov Olsen, he pressed for the ball. Ofir Marciano did attempt a finish, but from an awkward position, sending the ball into the away fans. Yussuf Poulsen was fastest over the ball and kicked Denmark in front with a finish right up under the net.

It gave Denmark blood on its teeth, and only five minutes later, the Park could once again erupt in cheers. Daniel Wass took care of a free kick on the right side, and he hit it perfectly into the forehead of Simon Kjær. The Danish captain sent a reselut header off towards the long corner, and then it was 2-0.

The Danes continued to drive on, and five minutes before the break it was also 3-0 after a fantastic goal. Joakim Mæhle was sent off on the left side, and inside in front of goal he found Damsgaard. Damsgaard chipped the ball on to Skov Olsen, who flew the ball into the long goal corner without a chance for the Israeli goalkeeper.

It was also the position the two teams went to break with.

Israel had a huge task ahead of them in the second half, but already after 20 seconds it was going wrong again. First, Thomas Delaney had to see his finish saved by the Israeli goalkeeper, and subsequently Damsgaard had to see his attempt kicked away at the finish line.

A fourth goal was in the air, and the Danes came on the board again. Wass took care of a free kick on the left side, and this time he got a precise ball to the back post, where Delaney was completely free. Close to goal it was no problem for the midfielder to finish the job and he safely headed the ball into goal.

It was not much Israel got the game forward to, and their best attempt so far in the match came 18 minutes before time. Here, Mohammad Abu Fani took the chance on the edge of the Danish field after a short corner kick, but his finish went close past one post.

In the overtime of the match, it was also 5-0 after another set piece. A penalty kick was initially awarded, but after a VAR check, it was converted into a free kick on the edge of the box. Jens Stryger took care of it, and he threw a sugar ball to the back post, where Andreas Cornelius headed the ball into goal.

With the victory, Denmark remains undefeated and after six matches has 18 points and a goal score of 22-0. Israel must see themselves relegated to third place when Scotland defeated Austria away. Denmark's next task is away against Moldova on 9 October.