There was nothing to choose between Slovenia and Denmark in their UEFA EURO 2024 Group C opener as an entertaining encounter in Stuttgart finished 1-1.
Report:
Denmark and Slovenia opened their Euro 2024 campaigns with an evenly contested 1-1 draw in a thrilling encounter in Munich.
The game began with Slovenia fashioning the first clear chance as Benjamin Šeško narrowly missed the target with a powerful long-range effort. However, Denmark swiftly responded just a minute later when Jonas Wind flicked on a quick throw-in, allowing Christian Eriksen to chest the ball down and finish with finesse. Eriksen’s goal marked a poignant moment in his return to tournament football since his cardiac arrest at EURO 2020.
Slovenia started the second half on the front foot, causing anxiety in the Danish defense from a corner, but Petar Stojanović’s header went wide. Denmark had a golden opportunity to extend their lead in the 65th minute when Rasmus Højlund met Victor Kristiansen’s dangerous cross, but Jan Oblak made a crucial save to deny him from close range.
Slovenia’s persistence paid off as they equalized moments after Šeško hit the post, with Erik Janža’s shot deflecting past Kasper Schmeichel into the net.
In the end, a draw was a fair outcome for both teams, each content to avoid defeat in their tournament opener. Slovenia’s next challenge is against Serbia in Munich on 20th June, while Denmark faces England in Frankfurt on the same day.
Reaction:
Matjaž Kek, Slovenia coach: “When the fans help you in this way, when you see so many smiling faces throughout the day, when even the opposing fans show you respect, that makes me happy to be a part of this spectacle. I thank them all. The two halves were very different, and I think the result is fair. We played against a very good team, but I think we were naïve after we conceded.”
Erik Janža, Slovenia defender:”We knew it was going to be a tough match. We had some problems in the first half but later we managed to pull together and get this draw. When the ball came to me, I just closed my eyes and kicked with with all the power I’ve got. Soon another difficult match awaits us, but we have an open path.”
Kasper Hjulmand, Denmark coach: “I think we played a good first half but after the 70th minute we lost some energy. We didn’t have enough intensity and got too passive. We had some good chances, a great counterattack that we didn’t take advantage of. There has to be energy all the time. But that’s what happens in football games, sometimes it changes.”
Christian Eriksen, Denmark midfielder: “This time at the EURO, my story is very different to last time. Luckily it’s been a lot of games since it happened. I felt confident going into the game and I was just happy to be playing. Playing in the EURO is always special. I was very pleased [to score], I had in mind that I’ve never scored at a EURO. But there was nothing but football on my mind. I was just happy to help the team with my goal.”
Key stats:
- Slovenia featured in a EURO match for the first time since 2000. They are still awaiting their first victory.
- They have lost only two of their last 15 competitive matches (W8 D5).
- Matjaž Kek’s sidehave only failed to score in one of their last 21 matches.
- Centre-back Jaka Bijol made his 50th appearance for Slovenia.
- Denmark remain unbeaten in seven matches against Slovenia (W5 D2).
- This was only the third of Denmark’s last 15 EURO group stage matches to finish level.
- Denmark have scored the first goal in their last six EURO games.
- Christian Eriksen became the oldest scorer for Denmark at a EURO finals at 32 years and 123 days.