Christian Eriksen made a memorable return to the European Championship by scoring a goal, but Slovenia managed to secure a draw with Denmark in Stuttgart.
Eriksen, now a Manchester United player, collapsed on the pitch during Denmark’s Euro 2021 opener against Finland and was later fitted with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD). His return to the Euros started perfectly when he scored Denmark’s first goal 17 minutes into the match, shooting into the bottom left corner after a clever flick-on from Jonas Wind.
Denmark dominated possession in the first half, creating several chances to extend their lead. However, Slovenia, supported by loud fans in Stuttgart, equalized with a powerful shot from Erik Janza that flew past goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel with 13 minutes left.
Slovenia’s pressure grew in the second half. Star player Benjamin Sesko hit the post with a strong effort just minutes before Janza’s goal. Matjaz Kek’s team, which struggled to contain Eriksen in the first half, could have even won late when Andraz Sporar shot into the side-netting and volleyed wide.
Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund and Eriksen missed chances for Denmark, while Adam Cerin headed wide for Slovenia.
This result adds intensity to Group C, which also includes England and Serbia. Denmark, who reached the semi-finals in 2021, were hoping for a better start.
Eriksen’s return to the Euros is significant. He stated it was his “goal” to play at the highest level with Denmark again. While he played at the Qatar World Cup in 2022, this tournament feels like a bigger milestone for him.
“Everything more than one game is an improvement,” Eriksen said about playing in another Euros for Denmark.
Denmark controlled the first half, with Eriksen linking well with his club teammate Hojlund and Wind causing problems on the wing. However, Slovenia’s set-piece strength began to show as the match progressed, putting Denmark’s defense under pressure with long throw-ins and dangerous corners.
Slovenia’s coach, Matjaz Kek, acknowledged their slow start but praised his team’s improvement. “We showed them too much respect in the first half,” Kek said. “Many of my players have never played in such a big competition. When we saw something was possible, they started playing. I think we will learn from this.”
Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak made crucial saves to keep Slovenia in the game, denying Hojlund from close range. Slovenia had the best chances in the latter stages, with Sporar missing several opportunities and Sesko hitting the post.
Janza’s equalizer came from a corner, with the ball flicked on and struck past a stationary Schmeichel. Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand reflected on the missed opportunities, saying, “Sometimes when you’re up 1-0 and don’t score the second goal, something happens in you. That’s why it’s so important to get the second goal. When you don’t, disappointing things can happen.”
Slovenia will face Serbia in Munich next Thursday, while Denmark prepares for a crucial match against group favorites England in Frankfurt.