Denmark and DR Congo shared a goalless draw in an International Friendly in Liège, but it was anything but dull. Denmark saw more of the ball and more shots, yet left frustrated by the frame of the goal. The hosts hit the woodwork three times and missed one big chance, while DR Congo carved out danger of their own and matched that big-chance tally. Both goalkeepers left with clean sheets and plenty of credit.

Denmark on the front foot, frame unkind

Denmark controlled the first half with 60% possession and 6 shots to 4, and they created the only first‑half big chance. Christian Eriksen, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Joakim Mæhle each struck the woodwork, underlining how close the breakthrough came. Adam Daghim had the big chance for the Danes but could not convert, while Rasmus Højlund forced a save as part of his two-shot outing. DR Congo kept things compact in a 5-3-2 and went into the break level despite the pressure.

After halftime Denmark kept asking questions, finishing 12-8 ahead on total shots and 22-13 up on touches in the box. DR Congo created the bigger threats on target after the interval, edging shots on target 4-3 overall. Substitute Simon Banza produced the away side’s big late moment but missed the target once and saw another effort saved. A single yellow card arrived on 42 minutes for Mæhle, and the referee added three minutes at the end.

Standouts and Sofascore Ratings

Lionel Mpasi Nzau topped the Sofascore Rating chart at 8.0 with three saves, including one big save, a high claim and eight accurate long balls. Filip Jørgensen answered with a strong 7.7 for Denmark, making four saves with three from inside the box and recovering 12 balls. In front of Mpasi, captain Chancel Mbemba posted 7.4 with solid defending and a key pass, while Axel Tuanzebe and Steve Kapuadi combined for 12 clearances, Kapuadi leading with seven. Yoane Wissa was a lively outlet, rated 7.4 with 3 key passes, 54 touches and eight duels won.

For Denmark, Oliver Provstgaard impressed at the back with a 7.3 before leaving injured on 81 minutes, completing 75 of 82 passes and adding three clearances. Mathias Jensen registered a 7.1 with a big chance created and two interceptions in a tidy midfield display. Joachim Andersen came off the bench to good effect, rated 7.1 with a key pass and assured distribution. Højbjerg and Eriksen both rattled the frame and combined for three shots as Denmark’s midfield drove much of the attacking play.

What the numbers say

The Danes finished with 57% possession, 600 total passes and 536 accurate, compared to DR Congo’s 445 and 374. Denmark led 12-8 in shots and 22-13 in touches inside the penalty area, but DR Congo put more on target, 4-3. The fine margins showed in crossing, where both sides managed just 2 successful crosses combined from 34 attempts, and in woodwork, where Denmark hit it three times. There was parity in big chances at 1-1 and corners at 4-4.

DR Congo had the better of duels at 55% and were notably efficient in dribbles, completing 11 of 17. Denmark were sharper in the press and counters to it, winning 12 tackles to 8 and registering 53 recoveries to 49. The back line volume told its own story, with DR Congo clearing 19 times to Denmark’s 15 as they protected Mpasi’s goal. Through-balls favored Denmark 3-1, and final-third entries read 72-48, which only strengthened the feeling they did most of the pushing.

Changes, late swings, and an injury

DR Congo freshened their flanks and midfield on 55 minutes as Arthur Masuaku and Edo Kayembe made way for Joris Kayembe and Noah Sadiki. Denmark responded on 57 minutes, introducing Joachim Andersen and Victor Froholdt for Andreas Christensen and Højbjerg, then doubled down on 74 with Albert Grønbæk and Kasper Høgh replacing Eriksen and Højlund. Those tweaks kept Denmark on the front foot while DR Congo targeted transitions.

The away bench nearly paid off when Banza entered on 70 minutes and registered two shots, including the team’s big late chance. Denmark lost Provstgaard to injury on 81 minutes, with Lucas Høgsberg stepping in and completing 15 of 16 passes to steady the back line. Final switches saw Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Nathanaël Mbuku arrive on 87 minutes to see things out for DR Congo. Referee Lothar D’hondt oversaw a tidy contest with one caution and three added minutes.

A useful workout in Liège ended goalless, with Denmark left ruing the woodwork and DR Congo encouraged by their compact shape and sharp dribbling. Both keepers earned their clean sheets, and the ratings reflect that. On Sofascore you can dive into every player page, heatmap and the full statistical breakdown. Not bad for a friendly that finished 0-0.