Denmark and Slovenia kick off their Euro 2024 campaigns in Stuttgart. England’s Group C rivals will hope to bank early points in the battle to advance to the knock-out stages with games against the Three Lions to come next week.
Talisman Christian Eriksen suffered a heart attack in their Euro 2020 opener against Finland but would make a successful return to the game several months later and Kasper Hjulmand believes the Manchester United midfielder can inspire his team in Germany.
“He has something you can’t train yourself to do, he has a fantastic ability to see the game and find a rhythm,” Hjulmand told broadcaster DR. “I have often said, paradoxically, that he is our heart, he is the pulse of our team.”
Follow all the the build-up to Denmark v Slovenia including the latest updates, following the early kick-off between Poland and Netherlands:
Slovenia 0-0 Denmark, 11 minutes
A slightly better ball from Christian Eriksen as the midfielder delivers a free kick from about 40 yards out on the angle. Andreas Christensen flicks it over the bar, throwing his head back with a little too much oomph.
Harry Latham-Coyle16 June 2024 17:12
Slovenia 0-0 Denmark, 9 minutes
Zippy passing from Denmark’s midfield three and Christian Eriksen lifts a dainty pass to Rasmus Hojlund. Out to the right the centre forward looks, and Alexander Bah’s drive is blocked behind. Corner kick.
Christian Eriksen will swing it in…tame. Headed away.
Harry Latham-Coyle16 June 2024 17:09
Slovenia 0-0 Denmark, 7 minutes
Jonas Wind is released in behind the Slovenia back four, but the forward miscontrols, affording Jaka Bijol the chance to recover. The flag was up, regardless, though Wind will be disappointed with his touch.
Harry Latham-Coyle16 June 2024 17:07
Slovenia 0-0 Denmark, 6 minutes
A little better from the Slovenes, first Peter Stojanovic and then Andraz Sporar toting the ball up the right. Benjamin Sesko is a lonely target in the box, though, and Denmark cut out the cross in comfort.
Harry Latham-Coyle16 June 2024 17:05
Slovenia 0-0 Denmark, 5 minutes
A rare misstep in possession from Morten Hjlumand, but the midfielder steps in firmly to atone. Slovenia have barely had a sniff of the ball so far; Denmark’s back three have the halfway line on their heels.
Harry Latham-Coyle16 June 2024 17:05
Slovenia 0-0 Denmark, 3 minutes
Rasmus Hojlund has lost a boot, stepped on by Vanja Drkusic as the pair pursued a ball eventually cleared by another Slovenian defender. A tad clumsy from the centre-half, but far enough away from the action to go unpunished. Hojlund retrieves his footwear and gets going again.
Harry Latham-Coyle16 June 2024 17:03
Slovenia 0-0 Denmark, 2 minutes
And Kristiansen rather niftily keeps the ball in up in the corner, spinning around the flag like a ballroom dancer. His ball in hits Slovenian legs but Denmark soon settle into their stride in possession.
Harry Latham-Coyle16 June 2024 17:02
Slovenia 0-0 Denmark, 1 minute
A 4-4-2, it appears from Slovenia, with Andraz Sporar supporting Benjamin Sesko. Denmark are looking to use the width, too, with Alexander Bah and Viktor Kirstiansen both pushing up the flanks either side of the back three.
Harry Latham-Coyle16 June 2024 17:01
KICK OFF!
Slovenia vs Denmark is underway in Stuttgart!
Harry Latham-Coyle16 June 2024 17:00
Slovenia vs Denmark
Anthems done – it’s go time in Germany. Three points here for either side would be valuable in what looks a competitive group. It’s a Swiss officiating team led by referee Sandro Scharer and VAR Fedayi San.
Harry Latham-Coyle16 June 2024 16:58