The first draw took place at the Stuttgart Arena on Sunday (16/06) evening, in the first match of Euro 2024 Group C between Denmark and Slovenia. For Slovenia, Euro 2024 is the first after 20 years.
Compared to their opponents, Denmark, who have full experience of playing at the Euros, Slovenia were made difficult to build attacks until they finally lost possession of the ball.
Denmark dominated the game with 3-4-1-2 tactics. The Danish midfield trio controlled the tempo with Christian Eriksen, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Morten Hjulmand. The lead was created when the game lasted 17 minutes.
Starting from a throw-in, the ball was deflected by Jonas Wind with the back of his foot, then the ball was controlled by Eriksen before scoring the opening goal for Denmark. 1-0 to Denmark.
After the goal Denmark still controlled the game. Slovenia occasionally attacked from the flanks and played balls forward. Slovenia striker and hot commodity in Europe, Benjamin Sesko, had a chance when his shot went narrowly wide of the Danish goal.
Denmark had chances but could not score more than one goal, while Slovenia struggled to create chances. The 1-0 score held for Denmark until halftime.
In the second half, Slovenia tried to attack more intensely and continued to 'knock' the Danish defence. The solid defence finally collapsed after being attacked relentlessly.
Slovenia's equaliser came in the 77th minute. From a corner and with the ball heading out of the box, Slovenia's left-back Erik Janza unleashed a powerful shot that was deflected by Hjulmand and deflected beyond Kasper Schmeichel. It was 1-1.
Kasper Hjulmand played Joakim Maehlle, Kasper Dolberg and Yussuf Poulsen to try and change the game. However, Slovenia defended solidly to eventually secure a point from the 1-1 draw.
Line-up
Denmark (3-4-1-2): Kasper Schmeichel; Jannik Vestergaard, Joachim Andersen, Andreas Christensen; Victor Kristiansen (Joakim Maehle 78'), Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Christian Norgaard 83'), Morten Hjulmand (Thomas Delaney 89'), Alexander Bah; Christian Eriksen; Rasmus Hojlund (Yussuf Poulsen 83'), Jonas Wind (Kasper Dolberg 83').
Coach: Kasper Hjulmand
Slovenia (4-4-2): Jan Oblak; Erik Janza, Jaka Bijol, Vanja Drkusic, Zan Karnicnik; Jan Mlakar (Zan Celar 75'), Timi Elsnik (Jon Gorenc Stankovic 75'), Adam Gnezda Cerin, Petar Stojanovic (Benjamin Verbic 67'); Benjamin Sesko (Jasmin Kurtic 90+5'), Andraz Sporar (David Brekalo 90+5')
Coach: Matjaz Kek