Denmark secured EURO 2024 second place not through goals or victories but by virtue of having a better disciplinary record than Slovenia. This unusual outcome followed a lackluster goalless draw with Serbia, leaving Denmark level on points with Slovenia but ahead due to fewer yellow cards received during the group stage.
A Tense and Tactical Encounter
The match between Denmark vs. Serbia, held at a packed stadium, was anticipated to be a thrilling contest with high stakes for both teams. However, it turned out to be a tactical battle devoid of clear-cut chances. Denmark, known for their organized defense and disciplined play, stuck to their strategy, while Serbia, already out of the tournament, seemed more focused on avoiding a defeat than pushing for a win.
Denmark’s midfield, anchored by the experienced Christian Eriksen, attempted to dictate the tempo, but Serbia’s robust defense held firm. The Danes struggled to create meaningful opportunities, their best chance coming from a speculative long-range effort by Pierre-Emile Højbjerg that was comfortably saved by the Serbian goalkeeper.
Second Half Sees Little Improvement
The second half followed a similar pattern, with both teams cautious in their approach. Denmark’s coach, Kasper Hjulmand, made several substitutions to inject fresh energy and creativity into the side. The introduction of young talents like Andreas Skov Olsen and Jesper Lindstrøm brought some spark, yet clear chances remained elusive. The match ended as it had begun, with neither side able to find the decisive breakthrough.
Disciplinary Record Decides Fate
The Danish players and fans turned their attention to the concurrent match between Slovenia and Montenegro. With Slovenia also drawing and finishing level on points with Denmark, the tie-breaker came down to the disciplinary record. Denmark’s superior fair play, having received fewer yellow cards throughout the group stage, saw them edge out Slovenia to secure the second spot and advance to the knockout rounds.
Reactions from the Danish Camp
Following the match, Denmark’s coach Kasper Hjulmand expressed a mix of relief and determination. “We knew going into this game that it might come down to fine margins. I’m proud of how the team has conducted themselves throughout the tournament. We’ve shown discipline and resilience, and now we have to build on this and perform better in the knockout stages”. It’s not the most glamorous way to advance, but it shows the character of this team.
Challenges Ahead
As Denmark prepares for the knockout stages, there are several areas that need improvement. The lack of creativity and cutting edge in attack has been a significant issue, with the team often struggling to break down well-organized defenses. Hjulmand will need to find a way to unlock the attacking potential of his squad, possibly by giving more freedom to players like Eriksen and relying on the pace and skill of younger forwards.
Defensively, Denmark has been solid, but the challenge will be maintaining this stability against stronger opposition. The experience of players like Schmeichel and Kjær will be crucial in guiding the team through the high-pressure environment of the knockout rounds.
Also Read:
