Christian Eriksen marked his return to the European Championship with a special goal, but Slovenia fought back to earn a draw with Denmark in Stuttgart.
The midfielder, now with Manchester United, famously collapsed on the pitch during Denmark’s opening match of Euro 2021 against Finland and later had an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) fitted.
Eriksen’s return to the Euros started perfectly as he scored Denmark’s opening goal of the tournament 17 minutes in, firing into the bottom left corner after a clever flick-on from Jonas Wind.
He was a standout performer as Denmark dominated possession in the first half and created several chances to extend their lead.
However, Slovenia, who also faced Denmark in qualifying, were supported by vocal fans in Stuttgart and equalized when Erik Janza’s powerful shot flew past goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel with 13 minutes remaining.
Slovenia’s pressure increased in the second half, and star player Benjamin Sesko sent a warning shot minutes earlier when he hit the post.
Matjaz Kek’s side, who struggled to contain Eriksen in the first half, almost secured a late victory when Andraz Sporar drilled a shot into the side-netting and volleyed wide.
Chances had come and gone for Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund and Eriksen, while Adam Cerin headed wide at the other end.
This result adds to the excitement of a pulsating Group C, which also includes England and Serbia, but is a setback for Denmark, who aim to surpass their semi-final achievement in 2021.
Slovenia prevent perfect Eriksen return
Eriksen said this week it had been his “goal” to return to the highest level with Denmark and while he played at the Qatar World Cup in 2022, this felt like an even bigger milestone.
“Everything more than one game is an improvement,” he said as he reflected on what it would mean to play in another Euros for his country.
His strike wrapped up a strong first-half display from the Danes and Slovenia, while dangerous in flashes, had not been allowed to settle.
There were signs of a threat from RB Leipzig striker Sesko, but Slovenia had struggled to get him involved as Eriksen linked well with club team-mate Hojlund, and Wind caused problems out wide.
But as the match wore on, Slovenia showed their strength on set-pieces, testing Denmark’s defence with long throw-ins and dangerous corner routines.
“We showed them too much respect in the first half,” said Slovenia boss Matjaz Kek. “Many of my players have never played such a big competition. When we saw something was possible, they started playing. I think we will learn from this.”
After Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak denied Hojlund from close range, preventing Denmark from extending their lead, the best chances fell to Slovenia.
Sporar missed several opportunities after repeatedly getting behind Denmark’s backline. While Sesko was a significant presence, his powerful long-range effort could only rattle the post.
Ultimately, it was Janza who delivered the deserved equalizer, thumping his first-time finish past a stationary Schmeichel after a flick-on from a corner.
“Sometimes when you’re up 1-0 and don’t score the second goal, something happens in you,” said Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand.
“That’s why it’s so important to get the second goal. When you don’t score the second goal, disappointing things can happen.”
Slovenia will travel to Munich to face Serbia on Thursday, while Denmark must prepare for a crucial match against group favorites England in Frankfurt.
Player of the Match: R. Højlund