LWill Denmark be able to repeat its magnificent 2020 edition? As a reminder, the Danes were eliminated in the semi-final against England on penalties. They will try to repeat such a performance this summer in Germany and to do so, they will have to start well against Slovenia this Sunday at 6 p.m.
This is only the second participation in Slovenia’s history. But, Benjamin Sesko and his teammates could well be one of the surprises of this Euro 2024. The Slovenians had a very good qualifying phase. They took 22 points and finished second in their group tied with… Denmark! Matjaz Kek’s men were beaten on Danish soil but held the 1992 European Champions to a draw, 1 goal all, in Ljubljana. A duel that promises to be interesting!
Highlights of the meeting:
The Danes largely dominated the first 15 minutes but it was the Slovenes who created the first opportunity. In a good position at the entrance to the rectangle, Sesko fired a shot which licked Schmeichel’s post.
But in the action that followed, it was the opener. A throw-in was quickly played on Wind who deflected towards Eriksen with a backheel. The Manchester United player only had to finish (0-1).
The Danes spent the rest of the first period in control but in the 42nd, a cross from Wind found Erkisen again, isolated, but his shot was too quick. After 63 minutes of play, Eriksen and his team came very close to doubling the lead. Kristiansen was launched deep on the left flank and crossed low towards Holjund in the small rectangle but Oblak came out perfectly.
Two minutes later, we were in the other rectangle. Cerin, alone at the penalty spot, took a cross from the left but his header went very slightly wide. Very big miss from Sporar 15 minutes from time. On a free kick from the left flank, Sporar was ideally served in the small rectangle and only had to finish but placed a shot wide.
A few moments later, Sesko sent a powerful shot from the entrance to the rectangle which would die on the Danish post. On the following corner, Janza was found 25 meters away, his shot was deflected into Schmeichel’s net (1-1). The Slovenes came back 13 minutes from time.
The essays :
Slovenia: Oblak, Karnicnik, Bijol, Sporar, Elsnik, Sesko, Janza, Mlakar, Stojanovic, Darkusic, Cerin
Denmark: Schmeichel, Andersen, Vestergaard, Christensen, Holjund, Eriksen, Kristiansen, Bah, Wind, Hjulmand, Hojbjerg
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