Slovenia and Denmark share spoils with 1-1 draw in Group C Euro 2024 opener

Erik Janza’s deflected late strike cancelled out Christian Eriksen’s early opener.

Christian Eriksen’s first-half strike was cancelled off by Erik Janza’s deflected late shot as Slovenia and Denmark drew 1-1 in their Group C opener in Stuttgart.

Jonas Wind’s deft flick released Eriksen open in the area and the Manchester United midfielder made no error with a precise low finish towards the back of the net past Jan Oblak. This goal gave the Danes a 17th-minute advantage after catching the opposition off-guard from a throw.

In Stuttgart, the 32-year-old Eriksen, playing in his 132nd match for Denmark, took centre stage in the first half of the match. It has been precisely 1,100 days since he went into cardiac arrest during his nation’s previous Euros first match.

In the second half, both teams had opportunities to increase the score, but Oblak made a fantastic diving save to deny Rasmus Hojlund from close range, and seconds later, Adam Gnezda Cerin narrowly missed a header that would have scored a goal.

However, 13 minutes from time, Slovenia rightfully levelled the score when Janza attempted to score from the fringe of the penalty area, taking a big shift off Morten Hjulmand to wrong-foot Kasper Schmeichel. Before that, the formerly quiet Benjamin Sesko had struck the crossbar with a pounding 25-yard drive.

Also read: Denmark at UEFA Euro 2024: Full squad, preview, match schedule, venue, telecast info

The next Euro 2024 Group C matchup is Denmark vs England on Thursday at 5 p.m. in Frankfurt; earlier that day, Slovenia plays Serbia in Munich.

But even with their superior possession, Denmark were unable to generate clear opportunities, as Jan Oblak was only required to make one stop when Rasmus Hojlund tried to slide a goal past him. They were therefore exposed to a late equaliser from Slovenia that came just minutes later.

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