Denmark crushes North Macedonia and is one step away from the World Cup.

Denmark took a decisive step towards qualifying for their third consecutive FIFA World Cup by thrashing North Macedonia 4-0 in the playoff semi-final held at the iconic Parken Stadium. With this convincing victory, the Danes achieved an impressive record of 17 wins in 21 home games, solidifying their position as a dominant force in European football.

From the opening whistle, Denmark was determined to control the match, leaving North Macedonia without answers and virtually without goal-scoring opportunities. Goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski was forced to work hard, while Mads Hermansen, who replaced the injured Kasper Schmeichel, had a discreet yet crucial presence. Hermansen stood out by denying a dangerous free kick from Darko Churlinov, which served as a warning to the Danes that Macedonia was not yet completely out of the game.

Although the first half ended without goals, Denmark’s pressure was undeniable, with Alexander Bah having a clear opportunity before Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg tested Dimitrievski once again. The wait for the Danish goal did not last long into the second half, when Mikkel Damsgaard, the hero of Brentford, opened the scoring by capitalizing on a rebound and firing the ball into the back of the net.

But the Danish celebration did not stop there. Damsgaard quickly turned into a provider, crossing for Gustav Isaksen, who, with a masterful touch, sent the ball off the post and into the net, doubling the lead to 2-0. From that moment on, North Macedonia could not contain the Danish avalanche, with Isaksen completing a quick brace, capitalizing on another rebound inside the box and sealing a categorical victory.

With this victory, Denmark not only moves closer to the World Cup but also sends a clear message to the rest of the football world: they are ready to fight for glory in 2026. The Danish team demonstrated a solid performance, and with players like Damsgaard and Isaksen in great form, confidence is high. With only one game left to determine Denmark’s fate in the World Cup, fans are already dreaming of the possibility of another adventure in the major football competitions.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.