Agger pegs back Bulgaria for Denmark

Denmark kept their FIFA World Cup hopes alive after Daniel Agger's penalty secured a draw with Bulgaria in Copenhagen.

Stanislav Manolev had put Bulgaria ahead on 51 minutes to potentially leave Denmark seven points adrift of second place in Group B. However, Agger ensured that gap to Bulgaria is only four points – with a game in hand – though the Danes have lost third position to the Czech Republic.

While Morten Olsen's men dominated possession from the off, they found the Bulgarian defence a brick wall until the visitors lost Nikolay Bodurov to an injury on 23 minutes. As the back line reorganised, Nicolai Stokholm twice came close for the hosts and Christian Eriksen also threatened before Ivelin Popov was brilliantly denied by Stephan Andersen at the other end in the 42nd minute.

As the match wore on, Bulgaria's counterattacks were becoming dangerous. Six minutes into the second half, Manolev benefited from Alexandar Tonev's cross from just such a break to put Luboslav Penev's team in front from close range. Twelve minutes later, though, Danish pressure told as Ilia Milanov brought down Andreas Cornelius in the area and Agger levelled from the spot.

Denmark kept pressing as Olsen brought on Lasse Schøne and Simon Makienok, but Bulgaria held on – though they are now three points behind leaders Italy whom they visit on 6 September. Before that Denmark welcome Armenia on 11 June.