An unlucky own goal led to an internal collapse: the Red Flames lost their European Championship ticket outright to Denmark.

The Red Flames played their important match tonight in the battle for a direct ticket to the European Championship against Denmark. If they win, they are guaranteed a place in the European Championship, if not, they will be condemned to play in the playoffs.

The Flames started the game strongly. They kept a solid block and also secured it well centrally. The first half went smoothly. Belgium had a great chance before the break but De Caeny was unable to capitalize.

After the end of the first half, Denmark came out of the dressing room as the stronger side. Thomsen had the chance of the match but Lichtfuss came out of her goal well.

The Danish pressure became too much and when anniversary player Janis Kayman tried to clear a Danish cross on the hour mark, she turned the ball into her own net. A painful own goal in the record 150th international match.

After a 0-1 draw, the Flames seemed to have their spirits broken. Six minutes later, Pernille Harder was able to enter the 16th minute with ease and made it 0-2. The direct European Championship ticket slipped away from the Flames’ hands.

And with ten minutes to go, Denmark completely shattered the Belgian dream. Deleuze lost the ball and thanks to a combination of shots, Holmesgaard smashed the ball into the roof of the net.

The Flames tried to salvage their honor, but it was no longer possible. 0-3 is the painful final score.

Spain and Denmark are now assured of a direct ticket to the European Championship. Belgium and the Czech Republic must compete to see who deserves third place and can play the play-offs. The fourth place in the group also plays the play-offs, but is relegated to the second division.

National coach Yves Sernels did not hide after the defeat. He felt that the Belgian women had to acknowledge their supremacy in the stronger Denmark. He said frankly: “Their level is currently higher than our team.”

“I am satisfied with the first half. We maintained our control of the game, even in the difficult moments. Our formation worked well. I told the girls that too in the first half. But after the break things completely collapsed. That’s very sorry.”

“Denmark is a team with a lot of individual qualities, and they are also very physical. If you score an early goal, you might win today. But that didn’t happen.”

“We may lack quality, but Denmark deserve to qualify at the moment. They are at a higher level than us. These are the facts today.”

Sernels was not entirely surprised by the Czech Republic’s 2-1 win over world champions Spain earlier in the evening.

“After this season’s draw, I said it couldn’t be more difficult. The Czech Republic are also a strong team, with many talented players. They were the strongest nation from Pot 4 and they showed that today.”