Slovenia will look to secure their first win at the Euros when they square up against Denmark in a Group C clash at MHPArena on Sunday.
Denmark will look to reach the heights they did back in 1992 when they take the field in UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany. The Red and Whites might not be in the best of form, but they can get things going with a win over Slovenia, who are all set to feature in their first Euros since 2000.
Denmark and Slovenia were both part of Group H during the qualifying campaign. Both teams finished level on 22 points with seven wins, one draw and two defeats in their ten outings. Denmark edged out on top as they had a better head-to-head points tally. Slovenia played out a 1-1 draw in their own backyard before losing 2-1 away from home.
In order to gear up for the tournament, Slovenia squared up against Armenia and Bulgaria. They won the first outing 2-1 before playing out a 1-1 draw against Bulgaria. If they want to go past the Red and Whites, they will have to do much better than they did last time out.
Meanwhile, Denmark won both their friendlies against Sweden and Norway heading into the finals. They will be confident about their chances, and the 3-1 win in their last outing will surely be a boost for their opening game against Slovenia.
Both teams are expected to give it their all in search of all three points, and it promises to be a very closely fought encounter. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at both teams and tries to predict the tactics they could put to use.
Team News & Tactics
Slovenia
Despite being linked with top clubs in the Premier League, Benjamin Sesko penned down a new deal at RB Leipzig, and he is now all set to lead the line for Slovenia at UEFA Euro 2024.
Slovenia have quite a few world-class players, and they will be keen on making a mark at the continental tournament. As far as team news is concerned, Benjamin Verbic was not a part of full training on Wednesday, and his participation is doubtful.
But, Slovenia do have a boost as Peter Stojanovic is back fit after missing both their friendlies and he should be involved in this one. Matjaz Kek is expected to go ahead with the 4-4-2 formation, where Atletico Madrid star Jan Oblak will be in goal with the captain’s armband.
Zan Karnicnik and Erik Janza will be the full-backs, while Miha Blazic will feature in the heart of the defence alongside Jaka Bijol. The back four will look to keep things tight at the back.
The full-backs will receive support from Tomi Horvat and Jan Mlakar as the duo will feature out wide in the centre of the park. Adam Gnezda Cerin will look to control the tempo of the game alongside Timi Max Elsnik from midfield. Benjamin Sesko will lead the line for Slovenia against Denmark, and he will have the support of Andraz Sporar.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Oblak; Karnicnik, Blazic, Bijol, Janza; Horvat, Gnezda Cerin, Elsnik, Mlakar; Sesko, Sporar
Denmark
Victor Nelsson picked up an injury following, which he was replaced by Zanka in Kasper Hjulmand’s squad. Christian Eriksen, who suffered a traumatising cardiac arrest at UEFA Euro 2020, is back in the mix and will have an important role in the team.
While Christian Norgaard missed training on Thursday for precautionary reasons, he is expected to be ready for the opening fixture. Hjulmand will go ahead with the 3-4-1-2 formation, with Kasper Schmeichel in goal.
The back three will be made up of Joachim Andersen, Andreas Christensen, and Jannik Vestergaard. They will look for a clean sheet and will have the support of Joakim Maehle and Victor Kristiansen, who will feature as the wing-backs.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Morten Hjulmand will look to control the tempo of the game, while Christian Eriksen will be the creative force behind the attacking partnership of Rasmus Hojlund and Mikkel Damsgaard.
Probable Lineup (3-4-1-2): Schmeichel; Andersen, Christensen, Vestergaard; Maehle, Hojbjerg, Hjulmand, Kristiansen; Eriksen; Hojlund, Damsgaard
Key Stats
- Slovenia are yet to win a game at the Euros.
- Denmark have faced Slovenia six times in all competitions so far and they have won five of those outings with one of the fixtures ending in a draw.
- Both teams were in the same group during the qualifiers. They finished level on points (22 each) but Denmark ended the group on top as they had a better head-to-head record. (away draw, home win)
- The Danish team have conceded a goal against Slovenia in each of their last three meetings having kept a clean sheet in the previous three.
- Slovenia last played at the European Championship back in 2000. They are making a return after 24 long years.
Player to Watch
Rasmus Hojlund
The 21-year-old Danish ace scored 16 goals and also bagged two assists in his debut season for Manchester United. While the start was not ideal, he ended the season on a high and will be eager to carry that form into the continental tournament. Given the kind of form Hojlund has been in, it won’t be a surprise to see him have a big say on the result of this fixture.
Prediction
Slovenia 1-2 Denmark
Slovenia have not won at the Euros yet, and they have not defeated Denmark in the six meetings between the two. As a result, things do not really look that bright for the team that is all set to make a return to the European Championship after 24 long years.
Denmark got the better of Slovenia during the qualifiers, and they are heading into this one on the back of consecutive wins. They do have enough quality in their ranks to come out on top here. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-1 win for the away team.
