Slovenia 1-1 Denmark: Christian Eriksen scored a goal that tugged on the heartstrings in his first Euros appearance since collapsing on the pitch but Denmark could only earn a point
Slovenia fought back to earn a battling point against Denmark as Christian Eriksen was denied an emotional winner on his return to European Championship football.
Danish talisman Eriksen suffered a heart attack in their Euro 2020 opener against Finland, but looked to have set his side on course for victory three years on after finishing off a clever move from a throw-in on the right. Eriksen, who had to be brought back to life when he last featured in the Euros, was mobbed by his team mates after giving his side a 17th-minute lead.
But despite dominating possession, Denmark struggled to create clear openings, with Jan Oblak forced into only one save from a sliding Rasmus Hojlund. It left them vulnerable to a late Slovenia leveller, which arrived mere moments after striker Benjamin Sesko had struck the woodwork from distance: a bouncing ball was lashed into Morten Hjulmand by left-back Erik Janza, deflecting past a helpless Kasper Schmeichel in goal to earn Slovenia a 1-1 draw and a potentially valuable point.
Denmark, though, will have disappointed to have ceded a position of strength with tough fixtures against England and Serbia to come in Group C at Euro 2024.
Slovenia 0-1 Denmark, 20 minutes
Denmark merited that opener - they’ve completely controlled the flow of this first half so far. Slovenia just switched off momentarily after the ball went out of play, but full credit to the Danes for the excellence of execution thereafter.
Harry Latham-Coyle16 June 2024 17:21
GOAL! Slovenia 0-1 DENMARK (Christian Eriksen, 17 minutes)
What a moment for Christian Eriksen!
Denmark are in front! And it’s a beautifully constructed goal with no more deserving scorer. A quick throw-in to Jonas Wind is intelligently and adroitly flicked on by the striker’s heel, allowing Eriksen to chest it down and direct a fine finish into the far corner. Away he wheels to be embraced by his team mates - 1100 days after being brought back to life, Eriksen is on the scoresheet at a Euros.
Harry Latham-Coyle16 June 2024 17:17
Slovenia 0-0 Denmark, 16 minutes
Jaka Bijol lumberjacks the legs of Jonas Wind with a rather nasty challenge for which the centre half is rather fortunate not to be punished beyond a free kick. Sandro Scharer has a word.
Close! Nearly something from nothing from Benjamin Sesko, turning on the ball 30 yards out and generating remarkable power in his snapshot. Kasper Schmiechel is beaten; so, fortunately for the goalkeeper, is his right-hand post.
Harry Latham-Coyle16 June 2024 17:17
Slovenia 0-0 Denmark, 13 minutes
The shapes are good from Denmark, the blond bonces of Morten Hjulmand and Viktor Kristiansen bouncing about as the pair trade passes up the left. Slovenia holding firm for now but struggling mightily to escape their own territory.
Harry Latham-Coyle16 June 2024 17:14
Slovenia 0-0 Denmark, 11 minutes
A slightly better ball from Christian Eriksen as the midfielder delivers a free kick from about 40 yards out on the angle. Andreas Christensen flicks it over the bar, throwing his head back with a little too much oomph.
Harry Latham-Coyle16 June 2024 17:12
Slovenia 0-0 Denmark, 9 minutes
Zippy passing from Denmark’s midfield three and Christian Eriksen lifts a dainty pass to Rasmus Hojlund. Out to the right the centre forward looks, and Alexander Bah’s drive is blocked behind. Corner kick.
Christian Eriksen will swing it in...tame. Headed away.
Harry Latham-Coyle16 June 2024 17:09
Slovenia 0-0 Denmark, 7 minutes
Jonas Wind is released in behind the Slovenia back four, but the forward miscontrols, affording Jaka Bijol the chance to recover. The flag was up, regardless, though Wind will be disappointed with his touch.
Harry Latham-Coyle16 June 2024 17:07
Slovenia 0-0 Denmark, 6 minutes
A little better from the Slovenes, first Peter Stojanovic and then Andraz Sporar toting the ball up the right. Benjamin Sesko is a lonely target in the box, though, and Denmark cut out the cross in comfort.
Harry Latham-Coyle16 June 2024 17:05
Slovenia 0-0 Denmark, 5 minutes
A rare misstep in possession from Morten Hjlumand, but the midfielder steps in firmly to atone. Slovenia have barely had a sniff of the ball so far; Denmark’s back three have the halfway line on their heels.
Harry Latham-Coyle16 June 2024 17:05
Slovenia 0-0 Denmark, 3 minutes
Rasmus Hojlund has lost a boot, stepped on by Vanja Drkusic as the pair pursued a ball eventually cleared by another Slovenian defender. A tad clumsy from the centre-half, but far enough away from the action to go unpunished. Hojlund retrieves his footwear and gets going again.