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Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund has revealed he feels “a bit responsible” over Denmark’s exit from Euro 2024 following final evening’s defeat to Germany in an emotional submit on social media.
The 21-year-old ahead had endured a disappointing event all through the group levels with Denmark solely ending second in Group C on account of a good play technicality.
The Danes did not win a sport of their group, drawing all three matches. Whereas this included a resolute efficiency in opposition to England, it was sandwiched by two abject attracts with Slovenia and Serbia.
Denmark did come second with three factors, however they completed stage with Slovenia on factors, head-to-head file, purpose distinction and objectives scored.
This meant the international locations’ truthful play file turned the distinguishing issue, although the precise taking part in squad for each side was similar, requiring a yellow card proven to Slovenia assistant coach Milivoje Novakovic to be the deciding issue. Hardly a powerful success for a rustic who has beforehand received a European Championship and reached the semi-final of the final event.
Hojlund’s performances within the group levels matched his teammates. Laboured, ineffective and missing any sense of guile, the United man seemed each bit the unrefined ahead he did at factors all through his debut season in England.
Nonetheless, these performances have been additionally largely balanced by promising shows for the Crimson Devils, the place Hojlund seemed decisive and lethal in equal measure, combining tempo and energy in a potent pairing up entrance. At solely 21 years of age, with simply two seasons of prime flight European expertise, the scope for enchancment is appreciable for the younger striker.
Final evening’s defeat in opposition to Germany was a much better show than Hojlund had produced earlier within the event. But his ending (or lack thereof) was poor in essential moments, finally contributing to his nation’s departure, regardless of a significantly better group efficiency.
Germany triumphed as 2-0 winners nevertheless it was removed from a simple trip for the host nation. At one level within the second half, Denmark opened proceedings courtesy of a strike by Crystal Palace’s Joachim Andersen, just for the defender’s purpose to be controversially dominated out by the slimmest of offsides.
A couple of minutes later, Andersen accomplished his transformation from potential hero to particular zero, as he conceded a penalty from a particularly harsh handball to let the Germans do because the Germans do, and rating from the penalty spot.
A counter-attack fifteen minutes later, with Denmark pushing ahead for an equaliser, secured victory for Germany. Jamal Musiala completed expertly round Kasper Schmeichel, son of United legend Peter, to place the sport past the attain of the Danes, however a 2-0 consequence masks how even the sport was.
Hojlund was a continuing menace, providing glimpses of sturdy link-up play and wonderful counter-pressing. One such instance of his work-rate got here within the first half as he nicked the ball of Nico Schlotterbeck to style an opportunity for himself. However, in step with his earlier performances all through the Euros, the striker ballooned the ball nicely over Manuel Neuer’s internet.
Two extra possibilities got here for Hojlund; one, an attractive counter-attack orchestrated by fellow United star, Christian Eriksen, which the 21-year-old was unfortunate to not end with a cute chip over Neuer; the second noticed Hojlund’s good motion give himself sufficient house within the German field to unleash a strong shot, however his placement was immediately on the Bayern Munich goalkeeper.
It was these possibilities Hojlund was doubtless referring to when he revealed he “felt a bit responsible” in an emotional Instagram submit thanking the Danish followers after the sport.
He wrote: “To be sincere I didn’t actually know what to anticipate from my first Euros. Supporting Denmark throughout a event was at all times one of many highlights as a Dane, taking part in for Denmark was indescribable. I used to be so keen, and needed so badly to make our nation proud. I texted one among my buddies that I felt a bit responsible. It’s a bizarre sentimental combine, as a result of there’s additionally pleasure. Clearly we needed to convey the cup dwelling, however the factor that may at all times convey me pleasure, each as a footballer and a Dane: Vi er røde, vi er hvide. Vi står sammen, facet om facet.”
Whereas Hojlund will naturally be disillusioned, he should take coronary heart from the character of his efficiency final evening, reasonably than the consequence, as he seeks to construct on a promising debut season in English soccer subsequent 12 months.
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