Match Prediction: Slovenia vs Denmark UEFA Euro Championship 2024
Considering the strength of this group, both sides will feel they need to beat each other if they are to stand a good chance of reaching the tournament's latter stages. After both sides experienced reasonable qualifying campaigns, they will enter this tournament hoping to surprise a few people.
Slovenia's last decent run in the tournament came in 2000 when they reached the quarter-finals. In 2021, Denmark exceeded expectations and were knocked out in the semi-finals by the hosts, England. They looked sure to be heading home during the group stages, so this storyline had a romantic narrative, especially considering Cristian Eriksen's well-documented health scare versus Finland.
How did they qualify?
These two teams are very familiar with each other since they finished joint top of their group in qualifying. It looked like an easy group with San Marino involved, but this only put more pressure on them to win the other games, knowing any slip-up could prove costly.
During qualifying, Denmark won one game against Slovenia, while the other resulted in a draw. The goals in the for and against columns were also nearly identical. Therefore, everyone expects this game to be a tightly contested affair.
Team Analysis
Both teams have exciting attacking players, and we hope the game will flow well enough for this attacking talent to be on display. Both teams have famous goalkeepers, with the Danes having Kasper Schmeichel in goal, most famous for winning the Premier League with Leicester, and Jan Oblak, who has played in goal for Atletico Madrid for over a decade.
That said, we expect this game to be pretty even and likely to be decided by the odd goal. It will be intriguing if this match is defined by their famous goalkeepers or a piece of brilliance by one of these nations' up-and-coming youngsters.
Players to watch
Denmark will be relying on some of their younger players, and we have selected one man capable of delivering a stellar performance in this campaign.
- Rasmus Højlund: Considering this young forward was purchased for a hefty sum from Manchester United at the start of the season, you might think he's been underwhelming. However, his stats for his country and his general all-around play look good, and we believe he has the potential to be a star.
Slovenia doesn't have many household names bar Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak. We have highlighted one man who will likely play a considerable role in their future.
- Benjamin Šeško: Despite being only 20 years old, this man has already scored 11 goals for his country and has a good scoring record for his new club, RB Leipzig, this season. He will likely lead Slovenia's line for the next decade!
Prediction
On paper, Denmark has a marginally better squad. Considering there is little to separate them in the form book, we must concede that this marginally gives them the edge. However, a draw is a very likely outcome.