- What: 1st round of EURO 2024, Group C, Slovenia vs Denmark
- Where: Germany, Stuttgart
- When: June 16, 19:00 (local time - 18:00)
- Stadium: MHP Arena (60,000 seats)
In the group, it is theoretically clear who will take the 1st place, and it seems that Denmark has the best chance for the 2nd spot. However, today's opponent is not as simple as it might seem. Despite not being a well-known football brand, Slovenia, in their 32-year history, is participating in their 4th major tournament – previously competing in the World Cups of 2002 and 2010, as well as EURO 2000. Moreover, the Balkans were not "punching bags" there.
Slovenia
Calmly advanced from their qualifying group for EURO, finishing in 2nd place but with equal points to the leader – Denmark. They went through 10 qualifying matches solidly: 7 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses with a total goal difference of 20 scored and 9 conceded. They collected the maximum points practically everywhere it was within their power – this is an important skill.
After the qualifiers, they played 5 friendlies: victories over the USA – 1:0, Portugal – 2:0, and Armenia – 2:1, as well as 2 draws – with Malta 2:2 and Bulgaria 1:1. They are on a streak of 6 matches without a loss and 12 matches with goals scored.
Denmark
Also calmly and with a reserve, they passed the qualifiers for EURO, finishing 1st in the group. At home, they showed a 100% result, but away things were worse: a draw with Slovenia – 1:1 and 2 unexpected losses: to Kazakhstan – 3:2 and Northern Ireland – 2:0.
Since spring, they have confidently played 4 friendlies: a draw with Switzerland – 0:0 and victories over the Faroe Islands – 2:0, Sweden – 2:1, and Norway – 3:1.
The team is quite strong and capable of feats even against a stronger and more active opponent, but they also have failures with outsiders.
Prediction
The teams have already met twice in this cycle, with Denmark having a slight advantage: 2:1 and 1:1. Given the overall shaky balance, we should note the mutual scoring tendency. Both teams usually don't score much but are very consistent. Slovenia has scored in 14 out of 15 matches in the cycle, and Denmark in 12 out of 14 games. Excluding matches against "football minnows", Slovenia conceded in 9 out of 13 games, and Denmark in 8 out of 11 matches. Considering the experience of 2 head-to-head games, mutual goals are expected.
Prediction xGscore: Both Teams to Score: Yes
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