Denmark 2-2 Belarus Player Ratings: Lapoukhov Rated 9/10 as Dramatic Late Goal Secures a 2-2 Draw

Oh my my, what a night we witnessed. Denmark had everything lined up to seal their direct spot in the 2026 World Cup, and even after taking the lead, the game flipped when Belarus struck twice to go 2–1 up. But Denmark later found an equaliser to make it 2–2, keeping their hopes alive.

Still, those quick Belarus goals created a moment that probably made the Scotland national team happier than themselves. Now everything will be decided on the final matchday, as Scotland and Denmark battle to see who qualifies directly for the World Cup and who drops into the playoffs. The Danes fought back for a late equalizer, but this will feel like two points dropped in their WC Qualification Europe campaign. From our perspective, it was a classic tale of dominance versus clinical finishing.

Denmark controlled the first half completely. They pinned Belarus back and deservedly took the lead through a fantastic strike from Mikkel Damsgaard. It felt like only a matter of time before they would add a second, but a combination of wasteful finishing and heroic goalkeeping kept the visitors in the game.

The second half was a different story entirely. Belarus came out with renewed purpose and stunned the hosts with two quick-fire goals to take a 2-1 lead. Denmark threw everything they had forward in the closing stages, and their standout performer, Gustav Isaksen, finally broke through to rescue a point in this thrilling match. It was a breathless finish to a truly unpredictable game. Scotland may have lost the match 3-2 against Greece but Belarus have kept them into the race.

Here are Denmark Vs Belarus Player Ratings

Denmark Player Ratings vs Belarus

Here are Denmark Player Ratings vs Belarus

Goalkeeper

Kasper Schmeichel - 5.5: A very quiet night for the Danish keeper until it wasn't. He only faced a couple of shots on target and conceded both. From our perspective, he could have done better on the first goal. It was a disappointing performance where he couldn't come up with a big save when his team needed him most.

Defenders

Jannik Vestergaard - 6.5: Calm and composed in possession, completing 96% of his passes. He was a presence in the opposition box, but missed a big chance with a header. Defensively, he was part of a unit that completely switched off for a crucial five-minute spell, which is a major blemish on his performance.

Andreas Christensen - 7.0: Probably the best of the Danish defenders. He was strong in the air, winning 5 aerial duels, and won most of his ground duels too. Christensen tried to drive his team forward but like Vestergaard, he also missed a gilt-edged chance from a set-piece. A solid outing overall.

Rasmus Kristensen - 6.5: A very energetic performance down the right flank. He was always an outlet, attempting five dribbles and getting into good positions. However, the end product was sometimes lacking. We noticed he was caught out of position for one of the Belarus goals. A mixed bag from him.

Patrick Dorgu - 6.0: It was a tough learning experience for the young defender. He was adventurous going forward but this left him exposed. He lost possession a staggering 17 times and made an error that led directly to a shot. He has talent, but this was not his finest hour.

Midfielders

Gustav Isaksen - 8.5: Denmark's hero and best player by a mile. He was a constant thorn in Belarus's side with his direct running and trickery. He took six shots, created three chances, and scored the vital late equalizer. His persistence paid off, and without him, Denmark would have been embarrassed.

Mikkel Damsgaard - 8.0: Scored a sensational opening goal to get things started. He was the creative hub for much of the game, creating a game-high five chances. What stood out to us was his vision and passing range. He did miss a big chance himself, but his overall contribution was immense.

Christian Nørgaard - 6.5: A typically tidy and efficient performance. He kept the ball moving with 95% pass accuracy and screened the back four effectively in the first half. He was sacrificed in the second half as Denmark chased an equalizer. He did his job quietly but effectively.

Pierre-Emile Højbjerg - 7.5: The heart and soul of the Danish midfield. He had 101 touches, constantly demanding the ball and trying to force the issue. He drove forward, made key passes, and battled hard. It was a true captain's display, full of passion and desire, even if the result didn't follow.

Forwards

Christian Eriksen - 7.0: The maestro was influential, especially in the first half. He drifted into dangerous pockets of space and created a couple of good opportunities. His quality is undeniable. He was substituted after 70 minutes as he started to tire, but his class was evident.

Jonas Wind - 6.0: It was a frustrating evening for the big striker. His hold-up play was decent and he did create two chances for others. However, he didn't provide enough of a goal threat himself. He was well-marshalled by the Belarus defence before being taken off.

Substitutes

Substitutes - 6.0: Morten Hjulmand, Victor Froholdt, and Mika Biereth were brought on to change the game. They injected some energy and urgency into Denmark's play. However, none of them could provide the decisive moment. The comeback was inspired by a player who was already on the pitch.

Manager

B. Riemer - 6.0: His team started on the front foot, just as he would have wanted. But they failed to capitalize on their dominance. The way his side collapsed and conceded two quick goals in the second half is a massive worry. He gets some credit for the team fighting back, but tactically, they were outsmarted for a key period of the game.

Belarus Player Ratings vs Denmark

Here are Belarus Player Ratings vs Denmark

Goalkeeper

Fedor Lapoukhov - 9.0: An absolutely colossal performance. This was the game of his life. He made 8 saves, many of them spectacular, to keep his team in the match. We noticed his positioning and reflexes were outstanding. Without a doubt, the Man of the Match. He was the single biggest reason Belarus came away with a point.

Defenders

Pavel Zabelin - 7.5: A rock at the back. He was a monster in his own box, making 6 crucial clearances. He won the majority of his duels and stood tall against the Danish onslaught. A proper old-school defensive display that his manager would have loved.

Egor Parkhomenko - 6.0: Was doing a decent job before an unfortunate injury cut his game short just before halftime. He made a couple of important defensive actions in his time on the pitch. It's hard to give him a higher rating given his limited minutes.

Roman Begunov - 6.5: He was busy all night. He put his body on the line, blocking two shots and making three clearances. He was part of a defence that bent but, for large parts, refused to break. A committed and hard-working performance.

Kirill Pechenin - 7.0: A tenacious display from the midfielder who played in a defensive role. He made 4 tackles and 4 interceptions, breaking up play effectively. He did pick up a yellow card for his troubles, but his defensive work rate was crucial to the team's resilience.

Midfielders

Evgeniy Malashevich - 5.5: A difficult night for him. He worked hard off the ball but was very sloppy in possession, losing it 7 times. He picked up a booking and just seemed a little off the pace. A performance he'll want to forget.

Maks Ebong - 6.0: He struggled to get into the game. He lost possession 12 times and couldn't impose himself on the Danish midfield. From our perspective, he looked a bit lost at times. He did his defensive duties but offered little else.

Evgeniy Yablonskiy - 6.5: The captain led by example with his fighting spirit. He was combative, throwing himself into tackles and making important clearances. He wasn't always tidy on the ball, but his commitment to the cause was never in doubt.

Forwards

Nikita Demchenko - 8.0: What an impact. He was a livewire before being substituted. He scored the goal that put Belarus ahead and even hit the woodwork. His movement and finishing were top-class. A fantastic shift from the attacker.

Valeriy Gromyko - 8.5: A stunning performance. He was the architect of the comeback, scoring the equalizer and then assisting the second goal. His composure and quality in the final third were the difference-makers. A truly clinical and decisive display.

Vitaliy Lisakovich - 6.0: It was a tough slog for him up front. He was isolated for long periods and was dispossessed four times. He worked hard for the team but couldn't get any change out of the Danish defenders. A thankless task for him tonight.

Substitutes

Substitutes - 6.5: Egor Khvalko came on for the injured Parkhomenko and did a solid job, though he did get a yellow card. The other substitutes helped to see the game out and hold onto a precious point. They all played their part in a famous result.

Manager

C. Alós Ferrer - 8.0: A tactical masterclass. His team was set up to frustrate Denmark and they executed the plan perfectly. They absorbed immense pressure and hit back with lethal precision. The second-half turnaround was brilliantly orchestrated. He will be incredibly proud of his team's fight and character.

Sportsdunia's player of the match is Lapoukhov