A feeling of pride with a hint of outrage might go a long way in describing how how Danish players and fans are feeling this morning, but even that hardly does it justice.
Ultimately, most agree, whether England were due a bit of luck or not, that the referee and VAR made a mistake in awarding England an extra-time penalty that decided the game Euro 2020 Semi-Final last night. It's a hard one to accept for Danish players and their coach, who, while under the cosh, didn't look like conceding at Wembley, and were just 16 minutes from penalties when the contentious decision was made.
“It's a bitter way to leave the tournament,” Danish boss Kasper Hjulmand said. “The way we lost makes it harder to understand why we lost.
“I have to be careful with what I say. We have an amazing group, and we definitely can do something great again. Maybe it is easier for me to say how I feel in a few days.”
#DEN boss Kasper Hjulmand admits he is bitter after #ENG ended his battling side's #Euro2020 dream.
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 8, 2021
Speaking after the game, Denmark and Barcelona forward Martin Braithwaite told Mundo Deportivo: “We have to swallow that. We are proud, but also incredibly disappointed in the way it happened.
“I don't think it was entirely fair, but I have to be careful what I say.”
He added: “Now, I am disappointed, but we [had] many excellent experiences and we are very grateful for the support we have received.
— Mundo Deportivo (@mundodeportivo) July 7, 2021
“It has been moving and something we have never experienced.”
One of the heroes of the tournament for Denmark, defender Jannik Vestergaard wasn't as guarded as his teammate.
A penalty kick during extra time must be clear. I saw it live very close and have seen it a few times since, and I don't think there was a shred of a penalty kick.
Danish midfielder Daniel Wass also made it clear how he felt.
It was a huge refereeing error. The disappointment is even greater when it is the referee who decides the match.
Former manager Åge Hareides, him of the Danish team that tormented Ireland for four years, was also very bullish about the refereeing decision that decided the game, saying that Denmark would not have received a penalty in the same situation.
No, it wasn't (a penalty). I don't think England would have been punished in a similar situation at Wembley. It's hard to tell if there's any contact at all. Denmark would not have received it.
Former players were also on hand as pundits. On Danish TV live from Wembley, the mood was anger, with Brian Laudrup calling it "a huge mistake"
Euro 1992 winner and the father of the man of the match last night Peter Schmeichel was also angry about the referee's decision.
He made a really big mistake on the penalty and this will be debated for a long, long time. It's a hard one to take because it's not a penalty.
I would have been much more relaxed and acceptable if they had scored one of the many chances that they created but unfortunately the referee made a big mistake in my opinion.
"This will debated for a long, long time!"
A tough night for @Pschmeichel1 who is convinced that the referee made a mistake on the penalty. #beINEURO2020 #ENGDEN #EURO2020
Watch Now - https://t.co/RRmQgctETJ pic.twitter.com/Vr6ioDClEX— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) July 7, 2021
“I know in your opinion (points at other pundits in the studio) and everyone's opinion, my phone has not stopped going off, everyone else is saying it's not a penalty so I'm quite sure that I'm [right in saying that].”
As well as players, pundits and coaches, the Danish press were also left dumbfounded by Dutch referee Danny Makkelie’s decision.
Copenhagen tabloid DK claimed, "The Whole World Rages" and led with the UEFA investigation into the laser beamed into Kasper Schmeichel's eyes during Harry Kane's penalty. Ultimately though, they talk of pride in an incredible tournament, and "a nation that has fallen in love with Hojberg, Maehle and co."
While there is coverage for the incident in all of the Danish press, naturally, none of them have lost sight of the incredible achievement of their team over the last month.
‘The European Championship party is over – now the World Cup party can begin’
EM-festen er slut #tomorrowspapertoday #EM #fodbold https://t.co/vZE2y4tafq pic.twitter.com/Wx1VQENUYd
— Jyllands-Posten (@jyllandsposten) July 7, 2021
If only we could be so philosophical.
SEE ALSO: The Sterling Dive Was Far From The Only Dodgy Aspect Of England's Penalty
