Fisker books semi-final date for Denmark
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Article summary
Turkey 0-1 Denmark
Denmark became the first team to progress to the semi-finals, a goal from Anna Fisker five minutes after half-time enough to secure a second win.
Article top media content
Article body
Anna Fisker's second-half strike earned Denmark a well-earned victory over Turkey that sent Søren Randa-Boldt's side through to the UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship semi-finals.
Pre-tournament favourites to progress from Group B, Denmark lived up to expectations with a classy performance in Antalya. They did not have it all their own way, however, and almost fell prey to a passionate rally from Turkey before Fisker found the net with a smart finish.
The gusto with which the Turkish national anthem was sung sent out an ominous message, but the hosts were soon drowned out by a constant wave of beautifully-crafted moves. Denmark's Julie Jensen was dictating terms at every opportunity. It needed a moment of inspiration to lift Turkey's spirits and livewire Filiz İşikırık provided it, darting down the right and curling a left-footed shot narrowly beyond the far post.
Denmark were swift to regain their composure but some sharp, slick interchanges fell short of an end product. They were almost made to pay for their profligacy when Eda Karataş's floated free-kick caused chaos, but Luna Gewitz snared the predatory instincts of Leyla Güngör. Indeed, set pieces were proving a profitable avenue but Denmark defended doggedly.
A rare lapse allowed Christina Bovbjerg to drive at the Turkey defence but her low cross was fired over by Pernille Madsen with the goal gaping. Randa-Boldt's charges resumed control after the interval and their class prevailed as Fisker concluded a sweeping move with a right-footed finish which squirmed past Selda Akgöz. It was no more than Denmark's possession merited and they looked to tighten their grip.
In sweltering conditions, though, they began to wane. Taygun Erdem's side sensed an opportunity and were almost rewarded for their vibrancy when Eda Karataş's firm header forced Maria Christensen into a fine save. The pressure was relentless but Turkey failed to capitalise, Ebru Topçu and Merve Aladağ both wasting good opportunities at the death.
