FIFA WORLD CUP: Denmark sweep away N Macedonia to earn Czechia duel
COPENHAGEN – Gustav Isaksen scored twice in two minutes as Denmark powered to a 4-0 win over North Macedonia in their 2026 World Cup European play-off semi-final in Copenhagen to earn a place in Tuesday’s Path D decider against Czechia.
Mikkel Damsgaard and Christian Norgaard were also on target as Denmark pulled away in the second half having been held scoreless in the opening period, and they now head to the final seeking a third successive World Cup qualification.
North Macedonia never showed much ambition to get forward but were stubborn opponents in the first 45 minutes. Once behind though, the floodgates opened and the home side scored three goals in 10 minutes to make the tie safe.
Denmark went ahead four minutes into the second half as their pressure finally took its toll. Isaksen was denied by an excellent last-ditch tackle and as the ball fell loose in the box, Damsgaard fired into the empty net.
It was 2-0 on 58 minutes as Damsgaard turned provider when his excellent cross to the back post was steered into the net by Isaksen.
The tie was made safe a minute later when he scored his second goal. Victor Froholdt’s shot from the edge of the box was only parried by North Macedonia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski and Isaksen turned in the rebound.
The fourth goal was far too easy as Christian Eriksen’s corner to the back post was going directly in but was helped over the line by teammate Norgaard.
Czechia shootout drama
The Czech Republic clinched their place in a World Cup qualification playoff final after edging past Ireland on penalties in a thrilling encounter that finished 2-2 after extra time. Jan Kliment scored the winning penalty to send the Czechs through to Tuesday’s final against Denmark.
Troy Parrott put the Irish ahead in the 19th minute from the spot after a VAR review determined that Czech midfielder Vladimir Darida had caught Nathan Collins’ foot when contesting a loose ball in the area.
The visitors doubled their lead four minutes later when an attempted clearance from defender Vladimir Coufal went into his own net. The Czechs responded in the 27th minute through a Patrik Schick penalty and then sent the match to extra time when captain Ladislav Krejci headed home in the 86th minute.
Ireland, roared on by a large contingent of travelling supporters, nearly grabbed the opener in the seventh minute when Collins unleashed a fierce shot just outside the penalty area that deflected off a Czech defender and hit the woodwork.
Czech coach Miroslav Koubek, making his debut with the national team, picked an attack-minded squad but his side spent the start of the match under pressure from Ireland who stunned the home side with two early goals.
The Czechs fought back in the second half with a more lively performance and nearly levelled when Ladislav Krejci’s glancing header from a free kick was tipped over the bar by the Irish goalkeeper.
In extra time Czech keeper Matej Kovar made two saves before Kliment, who entered the match as it headed toward a shootout, drove his penalty home to secure the win.
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