Denmark made light work of North Macedonia to reach the Finals of the World Cup playoffs.
Goals from Mikkel Damsgaard, Gustav Isaksen (2), and Christian Norgaard secured a 4-0 win for Denmark.
Manchester United star Patrick Dorgu was not involved as he is currently out with a hamstring injury.
Two of his clubmates from the 2024/25 season did play, with Rasmus Hojlund starting the game and veteran Christian Eriksen coming off the bench.
Hojlund is currently on loan at Napoli, while Eriksen was released last summer and signed with German side Wolfsburg.
Did Manchester United make a mistake sending Rasmus Hojlund on loan?
Rasmus Hojlund celebrates against Juventus
Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images
How Hojlund and Eriksen fared
Rasmus Hojlund played 81 minutes for Denmark during the win, but failed to test the North Macedonia goalkeeper.
He had two shots at goal that were both off target. He had 23 touches in total, but only five inside the opposition box.
More United News
Hojlund did win three aerial duels out of the three he contested. Thankfully his teammates stepped up in front of goal because it was not a night where he really looked like a big threat.
Danish outlet Tipsbladet graded Hojlund’s performance 3/5.
They did note that Hojlund did have a role in one of Gustav Isaken’s goals.
“The Danish star striker was so closely covered that he had difficult working conditions in the first half. But the second half was only a few minutes old when he drew attention to himself.
“He dished out an excellent pass to Gustav Isaksen, which was not cleared properly and ended up in Mikkel Damsgaard’s goal.”
Christian Eriksen walks off after Denmark win
Photo by Patrik Lundin – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
There was a lot more excitement about Christian Eriksen’s brief performance. He had a far more intentional role in the win, providing an assist during his 17 minute cameo.
Tipsbladet graded him 4/5, noting: “This is how you can also make a jump-in! Christian Eriksen was substituted after just over 70 minutes and immediately afterwards he sends a corner kick into the forehead of Christian Nørgaard, who scored to make it 4-0. Hats off!”
Eriksen helped Denmark secure the game with his late contribution and he is a nice option to have on the bench.
He is desperate to make what would surely be his final World Cup, while Hojlund is hoping to make his first.
Are you excited for World Cup 2026 in the USA?
FIFA President Gianni Infantino at The United States Conference of Mayors
Photo by Jamie Sabau – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Denmark to face Czech Republic
Denmark’s reward for defeating North Macedonia is a Playoff Final against the Czech Republic.
The Czech Republic defeated the Republic of Ireland 4-3 on penalties after a dramatic 2-2 draw after the 90 minutes plus extra-time.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox