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Denmark players fly Jonas Knudsen home from World Cup after birth of daughter

Jonas Knudsen's Denmark teammates paid for a private jet so he could fly home from the World Cup to see his newborn daughter following the win against Peru.

Knudsen's wife, Trine, gave birth to a girl earlier than expected after the 25-year-old left-back had arrived in Russia.

"We wanted to look at the human side," Kasper Schmeichel said. "There are lots of fathers in the squad. You have to remember we are human beings as well as footballers."

Denmark goalkeeper Schmeichel, who was behind the idea alongside Yussuf Poulsen, added: "As a father myself I cannot imagine how hard it was for Jonas getting that message and not being there. We wanted to do anything for him to see his daughter."

Knudsen, who announced the news on his Instagram and thanked fans for their messages, spent a day with his daughter before returning.

Denmark beat Peru 1-0 in their opening Group C game on Saturday and face Australia in their second game on Thursday.