The first sensation of the Euro Cup! Nobody believed in Slovenia in vain
Nikita Paglazov June 16, 2024, 21:28 Moscow time Audio version: Your browser does not support the audio element.
And Eriksen scored 1,100 days after cardiac arrest in the last Euro Cup.
The Danish team is one of the main sensations of Euro 2020. Then the team reached the semifinals, in which they only lost to England in extra time. Slovenia has not participated in the Euro Cup since 2000. Therefore, the first match of the 2024 tournament was important for both teams. The Danes needed to show that they were ready to repeat the success of the last tournament. And the Slovenians wanted to make themselves known throughout Europe.
Slovenia played with a 4-3-3 before the start of the Euro Cup, but for the match against Denmark they appeared with a 4-4-2. This reflected the mood of the team: the main thing is reliability in defense. The Danes acted with the classic combination of their coach Kasper Julmann: “3-3-3 + 1 player where the game requires it.” The most important element was midfielder Christian Eriksen. He not only connected lines, accelerated attacks and created sharpness. Christian opened the scoring of the match in the 17th minute: after a throw-in, Jonas Wind caught the ball and threw it with his heel to the leader, who hit Jan Oblak’s goal.
What symbolism! After all, at the last Euro Cup, Eriksen suffered cardiac arrest in the first match, after which he missed the entire tournament. And exactly 1100 days later, Christian scores a goal for Denmark. In the first match of the new European Championship. What is this but a story?
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The Danes played the first half much better than Slovenia. 65% possession, eight shots, one goal and a couple of missed chances. For example, the ball miraculously did not enter Oblak’s goal after Eriksen’s cross and the rebound off Jan Mlakar’s leg. The Slovenians remember Benjamin Šeško’s missed shot from 30 meters. Overall, it’s hard to say anything bad about Slovenia. Nothing is expected from teams like this in big tournaments. If they lose, well, okay, they didn’t have enough class. If they show good results, they will become national heroes. A win-win situation.
Slovenia – Denmark
Photo: Carl Recine/Getty Images
But the second half changed the image of Slovenia. Matjaz Kek’s team (yes, the same one with which the Slovenians did not let Russia into the 2010 World Cup) no longer experienced nervousness and acted with more confidence. And most importantly, I started creating opportunities. Slovenia also won the second half with shots (10-6). Of course, in the first half Denmark wasted good chances from Eriksen (the ball after his free kick almost went into the goal) and Rasmus Hoylund (his shot from point-blank range was dragged by Oblak). But then the time of the Slovenians began. They increased the pressure on Kasper Schmeichel’s goal: forwards Sheshko and Shporar were active.
Slovenia did not hesitate to cross constantly. And one of these episodes led to a goal! In the 77th minute, after a cross from Adam Cherin, the ball bounced off the penalty line towards Eric Janzhe. What did the defender do? Without hesitation, he attacked. The shot was not very good, but… the Slovenians were helped by a rebound from Morten Julmann. The ball treacherously changed its trajectory for Schmeichel and then entered the goal. 1:1 – the Slovenian players and bench celebrated the goal as if the team had already won the European Championship. It is understandable – this is the team’s first goal in the European Championship since 2000.
Soccer players of the Slovenian national team.
Photo: Carl Recine/Getty Images
In the remaining time, the Slovenians came closer to victory, having accumulated a couple of good chances. And Denmark seemed discouraged: as if it couldn’t happen that the team would be left out. But you must be prepared for such a scenario if you plan to go far in the tournament.
Slovenia: respect. The Danes need to work on their execution to avoid stupid point losses. And also expect that things won’t always go according to your plan. A good lesson before the match with England. And the Slovenians may well score points with Serbia and get closer to the playoffs. Sensation 2.0?
June 16 at the Euro Cup will be remembered not only for football:
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