Denmark 2-2 Belarus: Dramatic Draw Keeps World Cup Qualifying Hope Alive
Nov, 16 2025
Denmark fought back from two goals down to secure a stunning 2-2 draw against Belarus in a high-stakes 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifying Group C match on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Telia Parken in Copenhagen. With 35,493 fans packed into the stadium under crisp autumn skies, the result kept Denmark atop Group C — but barely. A late equalizer from Gustav Isaksen in the 79th minute salvaged a point that could be worth its weight in gold when they face Scotland at Hampden Park on Tuesday. This wasn’t just a game. It was a survival test.
Denmark’s Lineup: Stars, Surprises, and Struggles
Manager Brian Riemer fielded a 4-4-1-1 that looked more like a gamble than a blueprint. Veteran Kasper Schmeichel, 38, anchored the backline, while Christian Eriksen, 33, played his usual orchestrating role — until he was subbed off at 70 minutes, a sign that even legends aren’t immune to fatigue. The real shock? Rasmus Hojlund, the Napoli striker who’d scored four goals in his last three qualifiers, didn’t even make the matchday squad. His absence left a void up front, and Jonas Wind struggled to hold up play against Belarus’ physical center-backs.
Defensively, Andreas Christensen and Jannik Vestergaard looked shaky, especially on set pieces. And while Rasmus Kristensen returned from injury, his timing was off — he was caught out of position for Belarus’ first goal. The midfield trio of Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Christian Nørgaard, and Mikkel Damsgaard worked hard, but they were outmuscled in the second half.
Belarus: Underdogs With Teeth
Manager Alos didn’t just play defensively — he played smart. Belarus abandoned their usual cautious approach and switched to a 3-4-2-1, flooding the center and exploiting Denmark’s wide gaps. Valeri Gromyko and Nikita Demchenko were the architects of chaos. Gromyko’s 62nd-minute equalizer came from a poorly cleared corner. Demchenko’s 65th-minute strike — a low, curling shot from 20 yards — was pure instinct. Denmark’s defense looked like it had forgotten how to defend.
Belarus made 10 changes from their October squad, removing veterans like Alyaksandr Martynovich and Yury Kavalyow. This wasn’t a rebuilding phase — it was a statement. They came to Copenhagen not to survive, but to steal points. And for 65 minutes, they looked like they’d pulled it off.
The Turnaround: Isaksen’s Heroics
Then came the twist. In the 70th minute, Denmark made three substitutions at once — a rare move that signaled desperation. Mika Biereth replaced Wind. Victor Froholdt came on for Eriksen. And Morten Hjulmand replaced Nørgaard. The energy shifted. Denmark pressed higher. The crowd roared.
And then, in the 79th minute, it happened. A quick counterattack. Froholdt found Gustav Isaksen on the left flank. He cut inside, feinted past two defenders, and fired low past Fedor Lapoukhov. The stadium exploded. Isaksen, 21, had scored his first international goal — and it was the most important of his life.
Why This Draw Matters More Than a Win
Denmark didn’t win. But they didn’t lose either. And that’s the point. They’re still top of Group C — by goal difference. Scotland, who beat Kazakhstan 3-1 on the same night, sit just behind them. A draw against Scotland on Tuesday won’t just be enough — it’ll be perfect. Denmark doesn’t need to win. They just need to not lose. The pressure shifts now. Scotland will come out swinging. Denmark? They’ll play for a 0-0.
The draw also exposed flaws. Eriksen’s legs are slowing. Christensen and Vestergaard need help. And without Hojlund, Denmark’s attack lacks a clinical finisher. But they showed heart. And in qualifying, heart often counts more than talent.
What’s Next? The Final Test in Glasgow
Tuesday night in Hampden Park is the real final. Denmark will likely sit deep, cede possession, and look to counter. Froholdt, Biereth, and Isaksen will be key. If Denmark can hold on for 90 minutes — even if they’re outplayed — they’re in. No playoffs. No drama. Just a ticket to North America.
Belarus? Their campaign is over. But they leave with pride. They didn’t just show up — they made Denmark sweat. That’s more than most teams can say.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why didn’t Rasmus Hojlund play despite being Denmark’s top scorer?
Hojlund, who scored four goals in his last three qualifiers, was left out of the matchday squad due to a minor muscle strain, according to the Danish FA. His absence forced Riemer to start Jonas Wind, who lacked the physical presence to hold up play against Belarus’ compact defense. Mika Biereth was brought on as a late replacement, but the tactical shift came too late to fully compensate.
How does this result affect Denmark’s chances of qualifying?
Denmark remains top of Group C on goal difference over Scotland, meaning a draw against them on November 18 will secure automatic qualification. A loss would send them to a playoff. The 2-2 draw with Belarus was far from ideal, but it kept Denmark’s fate in their own hands. Scotland’s win over Kazakhstan made the final match even more critical — Denmark can’t afford to lose.
What was the impact of Denmark’s substitutions in the 70th minute?
The triple substitution — bringing on Biereth, Froholdt, and Hjulmand — injected fresh legs and urgency. Froholdt’s energy on the left helped stretch Belarus’ defense, while Hjulmand’s ball retention stabilized the midfield. But the real catalyst was Isaksen, who moved into a more advanced role after Wind’s exit. The change wasn’t just tactical — it was psychological, signaling to the team that they weren’t going to be beaten.
How did Belarus manage to score twice against Denmark’s defense?
Belarus exploited Denmark’s high defensive line and lack of central cover. Their 3-4-2-1 formation overloaded the middle, with Gromyko and Demchenko drifting into spaces between Christensen and Vestergaard. The first goal came from a poorly cleared corner; the second was a solo effort after Denmark’s full-backs pushed too far forward. Belarus’ physicality and discipline caught Denmark off guard — especially after they went ahead early.
Is Christian Eriksen still fit to play in the final qualifier?
Eriksen was substituted at 70 minutes due to fatigue, not injury. He completed 69 minutes and showed no signs of distress, though his movement was noticeably slower. With only three days between matches, Riemer may rest him against Scotland — a risky move, but one that could preserve his energy for potential playoff games if Denmark falter. His presence on the pitch, however, remains a psychological boost.
What’s at stake for Belarus after this match?
Belarus’ World Cup hopes are officially over — they’re fifth in the group with only one point from six matches. But this performance was a turning point. For the first time in years, they looked capable of competing with top-tier European sides. With 10 new players in the squad and youth emerging, Alos has laid the groundwork for future campaigns. This draw wasn’t just a result — it was a signal to their footballing future.