‘So many bad decisions’: Nation’s media hammer Tottenham man for WC display

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Danish media outlet BT have criticised Tottenham man Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg for his disappointing performance on Wednesday afternoon in Qatar – as Denmark crashed out of the World Cup with a surprise 1-0 defeat to Australia.

There were doubts that 27-year-old Hojbjerg would start against Australia after he was replaced in the pre-match press conference at late notice. But Hojbjerg started, clocking up 90 minutes. It was his 26 game of the season, already.

But Hojbjerg and Denmark failed to prevent Australia securing a surprise win. Matt Leckie, who has become renowned for having an impact in the World Cup for the Socceroos, got the all-important goal. A wonderful finish from Leckie.

The Danes have endured a miserable World Cup campaign. Touted as a dark horse after reaching the Euro 2020 semi-final, they drew with Morocco, lost to France and now Australia. Hojbjerg has been criticised, earning a 1/6 rating.

“DBU’s head of communications, Jakob Høyer, assured everyone on Tuesday that there was nothing wrong in the fact that Højbjerg, despite promises to the contrary, was absent and was replaced by Lindstrøm at the press conference. 

“But after this unusually poor performance – with so many bad decisions by the otherwise rock-solid midfielder – one can’t help but wonder if something is wrong with him. But what?”, Danish outlet BT wrote on Wednesday evening.

Danish media criticise Tottenham man Hojbjerg after defeat to Australia

Woeful, uncharacteristically so, from Hojbjerg. A player that has grown and grown under Antonio Conte. But against Australia, he looked leggy. He looked as if he was not at 100%, and that will be a concern for Tottenham and Conte.

But one positive for Spurs is that Hojbjerg can now enjoy a well-deserved rest. He might not have wanted to. But Hojbjerg now have the best part of four weeks before facing Brentford on Boxing Day. Hojbjerg has time to rest.

The £58million-rated man will have to get over the disappointment of such a poor World Cup. But at least, with the knowledge that it will not be his last. He could potentially play in another two tournaments for Denmark.