Jradi gives Denmark winning start in Estonia

Denmark made a winning start to 2015 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying as Bassel Jradi got the only goal of the game against ten-man Estonia in Tallinn.

Jess Thorup's Danes missed out on the 2013 finals in Israel after a play-off defeat by Spain, but began Group 2 on the front foot, dominating against opponents who had registered just one point in their last qualifying attempt. Nicolai Brock-Madsen took advantage of an Aleksandr Kulinitš mistake 23 minutes in, but could only rustle the side netting, before Marko Meerits in the home goal denied Youssef Toutouh from close range before the interval.

The writing was on the wall for Martin Reim's men, however, and after the break Jradi pounced when a ball into the area was not cleared, firing into the net. Elvis Liivamägi saw yellow for a second time in the 81st minute as it appeared home hopes had disappeared, although Estonia almost snatched a shock equaliser, substitute Joel Indermitte heading Ilja Antonov's free-kick a fraction past Frederik Rønnow's post.

Estonia will try to get their campaign off the ground when they welcome Andorra in their next match on 11 June, while Denmark will face the same opponents as they aim to make it two wins from two on 6 September.