Euro 2024: Familiar Foes Prepare to Do Battle

Slovenia vs Denmark

Euro 2024 is upon us and the meeting between Slovenia and Denmark in Stuttgart on Sunday is surely a must-win if either side is to reach the knockout stages.

With Serbia and England, many people’s favourites to win the tournament, also awaiting in Group C, a positive start would appear essential for both nations.

The Danes, controversially beaten at the semi-finals of the last European Championships three years ago, are due a change of fortune.

Yet Slovenia, who have never progressed beyond the group stage at any major championships, are not in Germany by luck after only losing twice in qualifying – ironically, once to the Danes who topped their group on goal difference.

Which one of these familiar foes can now create Euro 2024 highlights?

 

Talking Points

That Denmark start as favourites comes as no surprise.

Part of that will be down to their Manchester United contingent where Christian Eriksen’s composure and creative abilities are aligned to Rasmus Hojlund’s attacking threat and eye for goal.

Kasper Schmeichel is still the undisputed No 1 – he has gone past 100 caps – and has a developed understanding with the two of the central defenders, Simon Kjær (fitness permitting) and Andreas Christensen, in front of him.

In midfield, balance and creativity is provided by Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Eriksen, while Højlund has quickly become the go-to-guy for goals.

Indeed, in a squad with a lot of potential in a young and vibrant attack. Højlund, who scored seven goals in qualification, and Jonas Wind were the best players on the road to Germany and the team will have the last 16 as their minimum aim.

Slovenia may be massive underdogs but should not be underestimated.

In Matjaz Kek they have a pragmatic coach who leads the team with a firm hand, putting an emphasis on unity and hard work.

They also have two real talents – at different ends of the age spectrum – on the field.

Goalkeeper Jan Oblak replaced long-time No 1 Samir Handanovic, who was one of the best keepers in Serie A, for the national team and now has more than 60 caps.

A key figure for the national team and his club, Atlético Madrid, where he has been for a decade, he comes into the tournament following another good season in Spain.

The other standout player in the squad is young Benjamin Sesko, aged 21 and fresh from his first season in the Bundesliga where, at RB Leipzig, he ended the 2023-24 campaign by netting in each of the team’s final seven league games

This is only the second time the national team will have participated at the Euros, following 2000 when, led by Zlatko Zahovic and under the guidance of coach Srecko Katanec, they took a 3-0 lead against Yugoslavia but surrendered it to draw 3-3.

Of course, the game against Serbia will generate the most interest as there’s the political line up.

Serbia are the successor to Yugoslavia, the country they both belonged to before the break up, and then there is that unfinished business from 2000 too.

But first Denmark and two sides who have become familiar to each other over the past year.

 

History

Slovenia have never beaten Denmark but, after four straight defeats, did secure a 1-1 draw in June last year.

That was in Ljubljana in June when Andraž Šporar gave the hosts a 25th minute lead before Hojlund equalised three minutes before the break.

Their most recent meeting came in the return qualifier last November when Joakim Maehe and Thomas Delaney scored the goals in a 2-1 victory in Copenhagen. Erik Janza replied for Slovenia.

They first met in World Cup qualifying for France 98.

Denmark won that first meeting 2-0, thanks to goals from Allan Nielsen and Michael Schjønberg.

The return fixture also went the way of the Danes who hit four without response as Nielsen (two), Per Pedersen and Brian Laudrup found the net.

Three goals in 20 minutes from Jesper Grønkjær, Jon Dahl Tomasson (penalty) and Ebbe Sand settled a 2001 friendly in Copenhagen before a 2008 friendly in Domžale went the way of Denmark.

Dahl Tomasson and Nicklas Bendtner were the scorers on that occasion in a 2-1 victory.

 

Betting Tip

The Danes are overwhelming favourite with the SBOTOP Euro 2024 betting odds.

Among the options, why not back them First Half 1X2 @ 2.38, First Half Asian Handicap -0.50, also @ 2.38, 1X2 @ 1.74 and Asian Handicap -1.00 @ 2.33.

For Slovenia, the odds are priced out further, including First Half 1X2 @ 4.70, First Half Asian Handicap +0.25 @ 1.97, 1X2 @ 4.43 and Asian Handicap +0.50 @ 2.19.

Another 2-1 Danish success will pay out @ 8.00 with Correct Score.

As two teams who can score goals, perhaps total goal 2-3 @ 1.89 or 4-6 @ 3.84 have caught your eye more than 0-1 @ 2.90 or over 2.50 @ 2.16.

I considered the 1X2 Draw @ 3.33 but am just going to plump for Over 2.50 Goals @ 2.16 as my *** tip.

   

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