Denmark hold off Spanish surge

Denmark stayed within three points of UEFA Women's Championship qualifying Group 2 leaders Norway with a fortunate 2-0 win against Spain.

Cederkvist saves
Spain, whose chances of being one of the two third-placed sides from the four groups to earn a play-off place are now slim, had the better of the match for long periods but could not make the most of their chances. Tine Cederkvist had kept a clean sheet for Denmark when they won 1-0 in Spain last month, and she showed good form again with some early saves.

Denmark ahead
She was beaten by a Raquel Cabezon free-kick just after the half-hour, but the ball hit the crossbar, and late in the half Gurutze Fernandez and Erika Vazquez both went close for Spain. However, a minute before the break, Cathrine Paaske headed Denmark into the lead after a cross from the left.

Spain go close
Paaske and Merete Pedersen, who scored in Spain, had had chances early in the second half, Spain took over again. Cederqvist somehow denied Fernandez on the hour and Vasquez put the rebound just wide. Another Fernandez effort was cleared off the line by Dorte Dalum Jensen.

Win sealed
Denmark held on, though, and five minutes from time substitute Anne Dot Eggers headed a second for the home team. Passke then hit the post from close range, but victory was sealed.

Coach's comments
Danish coach Poul Højmose admitted: "The most important thing for us today was to get the three points in spite of the fact that our tactics did not function. We never managed to open up the Spanish team, but on the other hand do I think that we proved just how effective we have become."

Norway encounter
Paaske added: "It was definitely not a brilliant match, but I think it showed that we are now able to score the opportunities we used to miss. Now I just looking forward to the match against Norway, whom I think fit our way of playing better."
 
Three-point gap
Norway beat the Netherlands 2-0 today to stay three points clear of Denmark, who have a game in hand. Victory on Thursday in Odense would take Denmark through on head-to-head record. Spain end their Group 2 campaign against Norway on 2 October.