Kazakhstan comeback hands Denmark shock Euro qualifying defeat

Kazakhstan comeback hands Denmark shock Euro qualifying defeat

© AFP 2022
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:29 PM
Kazakhstan sent Denmark tumbling to a shock loss
Kazakhstan sent Denmark tumbling to a shock loss. Photo: Bo Amstrup / Ritzau Scanpix/AFP
Source: AFP

Denmark blew a two-goal lead to crash to a surprise 3-2 defeat in Kazakhstan in qualifying for Euro 2024 on Sunday.

The Euro 2020 semi-finalists appeared to be cruising to victory in the Group H match as Atalanta youngster Rasmus Hojlund netted twice in the first half after scoring a hat-trick against Finland on Thursday.

Kazakhstan had started their bid to qualify for a first ever major tournament with a home defeat by Slovenia.

But Bakhtiyor Zaynutdinov's 73rd-minute penalty gave the hosts hope of a famous turnaround in Astana.

Midfielder Askhat Tagybergen crashed a long-range drive past a helpless Kasper Schmeichel with four minutes of normal time remaining to equalise.

Substitute Abat Aymbetov provided the golden moment for Kazakhstan -- who have already at least secured a Euro 2024 play-off spot through the Nations League -- leaping to power a header into the top corner in the 89th minute.

Exciting feature: Check out news exactly for YOU ➡️ click on "Recommended for you" and enjoy!

He was later sent off for a second yellow card but by then had already grabbed all three points.

Later on Sunday, England welcome Ukraine to Wembley, while Italy take on Malta and Portugal play Luxembourg.

Authors
© AFP 2022 photo
© AFP 2022