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Kevin De Bruyne missed the opening game of Euro 2020 due to his injury in the Champions League final, but he showed why he may be the most important player in Belgium’s lineup.
De Bruyne set up Thorgan Hazard’s goal in the 54th minute before netting one of his own in the 70th to give Belgium a 2-1 comeback win over Denmark and a spot in the knockout stage. Belgium is +650 to win the tournament according to DraftKings Sportsbook and should see more action after De Bruyne’s outing.
Denmark, coming off an emotional loss to Finland after star midfielder Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch and had to be hospitalized, got off to a great start. Yussuf Poulsen found a hole in Belgium’s defense after a bad turnover and slotted his shot past Thibaut Courtois for a 1-0 lead in the second minute.
The players recognized Eriksen, who is reportedly progressing well after a scary moment, by kicking the ball out of play in the 10th minute and holding a standing ovation for him. Unfortunately, Denmark was unable to carry that momentum throughout the rest of the game and will make an early exit from Euro 2020 as a result.
Belgium will play Finland in its final group stage game before awaiting its opponent in the knockout round.