Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Liveupdated

Slovenia vs Denmark LIVE: Euro 2024 result and reaction as Janza grabs draw after emotional Eriksen goal

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

Harry Latham-Coyle
Sunday 16 June 2024 19:13 BST
Comments
Scotland fans pack Munich bar ahead of Euros opener against hosts Germany

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.

Re-live all of the action from Denmark v Slovenia:

Slovenia 1-1 Denmark, 81 minutes

Suddenly, Slovenia look like favourites. They are some leggy Danes out there, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg laboured in midfield and Jannik Vestergaard ghosted past by Andraz Sporar. His effort clips the fingers of Kasper Schmiechel and buries itself in the side netting. Denmark look nervy.

Harry Latham-Coyle16 June 2024 18:39

GOAL! SLOVENIA 1-1 Denmark (Erik Janza, 78 minutes)

But that one finds the back of the net!

Slovenia are level! The corner is half cleared to Erik Janza, arriving from the left and leathering his laces through the bouncing ball. It ruffles the rump of Morten Hjulmand, diverting it beyond a wrong-footed Kasper Schmeichel to square affairs in Stuttgart!

(Getty Images)
Harry Latham-Coyle16 June 2024 18:34

Slovenia 0-1 Denmark, 76 minutes

Off the woodwork! An amazing effort from Benjamin Sesko deflects against the post. So nearly...

Harry Latham-Coyle16 June 2024 18:34

Slovenia 0-1 Denmark, 75 minutes

A double change for Slovenia. On come Jan Gorenc Stankovic and Zan Celar for Timi Max Elsnik and Jan Malakar.

Harry Latham-Coyle16 June 2024 18:33

Slovenia 0-1 Denmark, 74 minutes

It should have been! How has Andraz Sporar missed?

A brilliant ball from Erik Janza bends beautifully beyond the Denmark defensive line, and Sporar looks to have the simple job of diverting it home. But it’s a meaty connection, off ankle or shin rather than his pointed boot, and away it flies with Kasper Schmiechel not even required to save it.

Harry Latham-Coyle16 June 2024 18:32

Slovenia 0-1 Denmark, 73 minutes

Another Slovenian change or two look to be imminent as they look to open this game up again. Benjamin Sesko is fouled by Joachim Andersen, tumbling backwards with the Crystal Palace defender clawing at his shoulders. Might this be their chance?

Harry Latham-Coyle16 June 2024 18:30

Slovenia 0-1 Denmark, 70 minutes

An increasingly frustrated Slovenia coaching staff make their point a little too vociferously to the fourth official, prompting a visit (and a yellow card) from referee Sandro Schafer.

On the pitch, meanwhile, Denmark draw a corner with a promising forward foray. It’s an inviting cross, but Jonas Wind mistimes his jump and heads over the top.

Harry Latham-Coyle16 June 2024 18:28

Slovenia 0-1 Denmark, 67 minutes

A first switch from Matjaz Kek: on comes Benjamin Verbic for Petar Stojanovic, offering a little bit of extra attacking capability out wide.

Harry Latham-Coyle16 June 2024 18:24

Slovenia 0-1 Denmark, 65 minutes

Kept out by Jan Oblak! A top save from the vastly experienced keeper, such a good shot-stopper for so long at Atletico Madrid. A ball in from the left arcs on to a sliding Rasmus Hojlund’s toe, but Oblak spreads himself superbly, eventually taking Hojlund’s tap in the abdomen before smothering it clear.

(Getty Images)
Harry Latham-Coyle16 June 2024 18:23

Slovenia 0-1 Denmark, 63 minutes

Timi Max Elsnik is given time and space on the left and aims something ambitious towards two team mates in the Denmark box. But the three centre halves are wise to the threat - the trio of Andersen, Christensen and Vestergaard has worked well today.

Harry Latham-Coyle16 June 2024 18:21

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in