UEFA EURO 2024 Group D : Denmark V/s. Slovenia Match Preview and Lineups

UEFA EURO 2024 Group Stage

16 June, 2024 - Indian Date

Stuttgart Arena

MATCH TIMES

India

09:30 PM

UAE

08:00 PM

Saudi Arabia

07:00 PM

MATCH LIVE INFO

Full Time

Denmark [1-1] Slovenia

Predicted Lineups:

Denmark possible starting lineup: Schmeichel; Andersen, Christensen, Vestergaard; Maehle, Hojbjerg, Hjulmand, Kristiansen; Eriksen; Hojlund, Damsgaard

Slovenia possible starting lineup: Oblak; Karnicnik, Blazic, Bijol, Janza; Horvat, Gnezda Cerin, Elsnik, Mlakar; Sesko, Sporar

Match Preview

Slovenia and Denmark kick off their Euro 2024 Group C campaigns at the MHPArena in Stuttgart on Sunday evening. Both teams have knockout stage aspirations, with Slovenia aiming to secure their first-ever win in the Euros finals and Denmark seeking to replicate their 1992 triumph.

Slovenia

Recent Form and Qualifying Journey:

• Finished second in their qualifying group, narrowly missing the top spot to Denmark due to an inferior head-to-head points tally.
• Accumulated 22 points in qualifying, ensuring their return to the Euros for the first time since their debut in 2000.
• In their last 12 matches, Slovenia has lost only once, boasting an impressive run that includes a six-match unbeaten streak and a 2-0 victory over Portugal.

Squad and Key Players:

• Headlined by 21-year-old RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko, who scored five goals in qualifying.
• Veteran playmaker Josip Ilicic, now with Maribor, might be outshone by Andraz Sporar of Panathinaikos in the starting lineup.
• Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak, who captains the team.
• Right-back Peter Stojanovic has recovered from a muscle injury, but winger Benjamin Verbic remains a doubt.

Denmark

Recent Form and Qualifying Journey:

• Despite underwhelming at the 2022 World Cup with a group-stage exit, Denmark topped their Euro qualifying group.
• Experienced shock defeats to Kazakhstan and Northern Ireland but have shown strong form recently with wins over the Faroe Islands, Sweden, and Norway.
• Denmark has maintained an unbeaten run against Slovenia, with their last two meetings resulting in a draw and a win.

Squad and Key Players:

• Christian Eriksen, now fully fit and a critical player following his cardiac arrest at Euro 2020, is Denmark’s highest scorer in the current squad.
• Simon Kjaer, the team's most capped player, may not be a guaranteed starter.
• Galatasaray defender Victor Nelsson was replaced by Zanka due to injury, with midfielder Christian Norgaard expected to be fit after precautionary rest.

Match Outlook

Slovenia:

• Will be looking to build on their solid form and continue their scoring streak, which has lasted for 12 matches.
• Aim to capitalize on their recent momentum and strong defensive displays to surprise their Danish opponents.

Denmark:

- Will draw on their Euro 1992 legacy and recent strong performances to start their campaign positively.

- Expect to rely heavily on the experience and creativity of Eriksen and the attacking prowess of their forwards to break down Slovenia’s defense.

Prediction

Both teams enter the match with strong defensive records and potent attacking options, promising a competitive and tactical encounter. Slovenia’s recent form suggests they could pose a significant challenge, but Denmark’s experience and pedigree might give them the edge to secure a narrow victory.