After losing their first two games against Finland and Belgium in Group B, the Danish Dynamite staged a comeback to reach the Round of 16 stage thanks to their emphatic win over the Russians and result elsewhere.
Hjulmand’s men had to beat Russia and hope Belgium defeat Finland in order to stand the chance of qualifying.
Denmark put four past Stanislav Cherchesov’s side thanks to goals from Mikkel Damsgaard, Yussuf Poulsen, Andreas Christensen and Joakim Maehle as Artem Dzyuba’s 70th minute strike was rendered as just a mere consolation.
“We hoped it would be a magic night at Parken,” said Hjulmand in his post-match conference as quoted by the Independent.
“I want to start by saying thank you to all the people who have been supporting us, and have shown so much love. I don’t think it would have been possible without all the support. I could feel that it really affected the players, so thank you so much for all the support. It means the world to us.”
He added: “The motivation, the team spirit, the friendship among the players was amazing.
“We played three games on a very high level and if someone deserves this, it’s our players. I can’t imagine how they managed to come back from what they went through, so a big credit to the boys, and thanks a lot for the support we’ve got from the whole of Denmark.
“I have to say the team and the team sprit we have and how everyone contributed was amazing.
“It’s hard to describe what this team has been through the past four weeks. We are thinking about Christian all the way.”
