Slovenia - Denmark: Unequal match

Pre-match review

Three years after reaching the semi-finals of EURO 2020, Denmark still has most of their “golden generation” stars remaining. They are Kasper Schmeichel, Simon Kjaer, Andreas Christensen, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Christian Eriksen. However, they all have one thing in common: they have clearly lost form compared to when they fought at EURO 2020.

With a squad of stars past their peak, combined with a new squad of players who are not yet outstanding, Denmark obviously cannot be considered a strong candidate for the EURO 2024 championship. Among the new factors in this team, MU striker Rasmus Hojlund is expected the most. It can be said that Hojlund's performance is the turning point to decide Denmark's fate in the tournament in Germany.

Eriksen and his teammates will kick off EURO 2024 with a clash against Slovenia - the weakest opponent in Group C. Compared to Denmark, Slovenia is at a disadvantage in every aspect. Slovenia's brightest star is goalkeeper Jan Oblak. Next, Slovenia has striker Benjamin Sesko, a striker sought after by many big teams in the past 2 years. However, the overall quality of Slovenia's squad is unbalanced and the class of Oblak and Sesko alone is not enough.

Opta rates Denmark at 50% chance of winning, while Slovenia is given a 26.2% chance. Denmark's task in keeping a clean sheet will be simpler, which is to block the 1.95m tall striker Sesko. Slovenia, on the other hand, face an equally tough challenge in Hojlund. Denmark have more scoring weapons, such as Eriksen's finishing situations in the 16.5m area.

Head to head history, form

Slovenia and Denmark have met six times since 1996. Denmark have dominated the match with five wins and one draw. In the EURO 2024 qualifiers, Denmark beat Slovenia 2-1 in November 2023.

Denmark had a perfect run-up to EURO 2024. They defeated two strong opponents, Sweden and Norway, in the friendly matches to warm up for EURO. In the last 10 matches, the "Tin Soldiers" only lost to Northern Ireland and were held to a draw by Switzerland.

Slovenia also had a win and a draw in their friendly matches in preparation for EURO 2024. However, their opponents this time, Denmark, will be very different from Bulgaria and Armenia.

Force

Denmark will have the strongest squad for the opening match of EURO 2024. Slovenia has 4 players who are doubtful to play. Among them, Sandi Lovric and Petar Stojanovic are 2 important positions for Slovenia. If these 2 players do not play, Slovenia's strength will be in trouble.