A Nicklas Bendtner inspired Denmark side over came Sweden this evening in a battle of Scandinavia to claim the final three World Cup qualifying points they needed to reach next summers tournament, with bragging rights for the natives to boot.
The exciting forward has led his country’s charge to South Africa and started on the left hand side against the Swede’s who boasted Zlatan Ibrahimovic in attack. Nicklas has been compared to the Barcelona front man and the two are tipped as the leading lights for their respective national teams.
Denmark began well in an entertaining opening half an hour. Michael Jakobsen had a powerful drive go inches wide before goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson was forced into a stunning save to deny Martin Jorgensen. But back came the visitors in the form of the aforementioned Ibrahimovic and Anders Svensson but both efforts were comfortable for Thomas Sorensen.
The hosts pushed harder for the goal in the second half via Dennis Rommedahl’s powerful effort, before Rommedahl combined with Bendtner to allow the Arsenal striker a shot at goal, but Isaksson was again on hand. Sweden thought they’d done enough when Henrik Larsson clipped home but the offside flag ruled out any hope of a shock winner. Nicklas’ former Birmingham team mate Seb Larsson came on with 25 minutes left and he would needed shortly after as the Danes finally broke the deadlock.
Bendtner’s clever run down the left created space, and then a perfectly weighted ball picked out Jakob Poulsen who made no mistake with an excellent finish. Sorensen made two superb saves late on but Denmark held on to take all three points and secure their place in next summers World Cup. The stage has been set for Bendtner to shine.
Article By – Matthew789 also thanks to Jamie Sanderson from Young Guns.
