Denmark Draws Against Slovenia in a Thrilling European Championship Match
The Manchester United midfielder put his side ahead after 17 minutes in front of a stadium packed with Danish supporters in Stuttgart. However, Erik Janza’s deflected shot secured a point for Slovenia in their first European Championship match since 2000.
Upcoming Matches in Group C
Denmark faces England in their second Group C match in Frankfurt on Thursday, while Slovenia continues their campaign against Serbia in Munich. Denmark reached the semi-finals of Euro 2020, which was delayed by the pandemic, before losing to England. The emotions were triggered by Eriksen’s collapse in Copenhagen, where he had to be resuscitated on the pitch after suffering a cardiac arrest.
Eriksen’s Remarkable Comeback
After being fitted with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, he resumed his career. Nine months later, he returned to the national team and took part in the 2022 World Cup. On the eve of the opening match of the 2024 European Championship in Denmark, Eriksen said he no longer routinely reflects on the harrowing incident and instead focuses on helping his country achieve another major success in Germany.
Slovenia’s Tactical Play
Slovenian midfielder Timi Max Elsnik conceded that there will be few surprises for either team after finishing just behind Denmark in their qualifying group. Highly-rated Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko almost stunned Kasper Schmeichel with a powerful long-range shot, but it was Denmark who struck shortly afterwards.
Denmark’s Tactical Advantage
A quick throw-in was played into the path of Eriksen by Jonas Wind, who fired a low shot into the far corner to give the Danes the lead. While Sesko was closely watched by the Danish defence, Andraz Sporar was unable to exploit a gap in the defence when he failed to properly control a bouncing ball when he saw the ball in the goal.
Close Calls for Both Teams
Sesko almost gifted Denmark their second lead when he deflected a free-kick against his teammate in his own penalty area, and Jan Oblak watched hopefully as the ball flew just over his goal. Eriksen shot across goal just before half-time after another excellent effort from the lively Wind, while Slovenian defender Jaka Bijol almost headed into his own goal from a Danish free-kick early in the second half.
Intense Second Half
Oblak prevented Rasmus Hojlund from doubling the lead with a brave save, blocking the United striker’s shot from close range to keep his side in the game. Adam Gnezda Cerin fired a cross wide of goal as Slovenia pressed for an equaliser and Sporar kept out a free-kick with his foot. Sesko was unlucky to see his shot rebound off the post, but Slovenia were soon back in the game.
Slovenia’s Equaliser
Denmark failed to clear a corner properly, and Janza’s powerful half-volley from the edge of the box gave Morten Hjulmand no chance and left Schmeichel unmarked. Sporar had a chance to secure the win for Slovenia after running past Jannik Vestergaard, but he shot into the side netting when Schmeichel had a weak touch.
Denmark’s resilience was tested, but they managed to secure a point in a thrilling match against Slovenia. Both teams will now look forward to their upcoming Group C matches, with hopes of advancing further in the tournament.
