Slovenia meet Euro 2020 semi-finalists, Denmark at Stuttgart Arena in the opening Group C match of UEFA Euro 2024.
Victory would see Slovenia or Denmark go top of Group C before England meet Serbia in the late kick-off.
Team News
Slovenia have no fresh injury concerns to report with RB Leipzig striker, Benjamin Sesko set to start just days after he snubbed Premier League interest to commit his future to the Bundesliga club.
Benjamin Verbic, Sandi Lovric, Peta Stojanovic and Miha Blazic however could be set for the bench after struggling with injuries in the run-up to the tournament.
Denmark have no injury concerns to report but captain, Simon Kjaer will have his game time managed.
When is Kick-Off?
Slovenia face Denmark at Stuttgart Arena, Stuttgart, Germany, on Sunday 16 June at 6pm CEST (5pm UK Time), live on ITV1 in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Slovenia are winless in six previous meetings against Denmark (D1, L5).
- Denmark are unbeaten in two previous Euro meetings against Slovenia (W1, D1), which coincidentally came in Qualifying for this tournament as they drew 1-1 away then won 2-1 at home.
- Slovenia have scored in each of their last three meetings against Denmark in all competitions.
- Pierre-Emile Højbjerg has scored the opening goal in each of Denmark’s last three matches (W3).
- Slovenia are yet to win an European Championship match, having previously drawn twice and lost once at Euro 2000 (D2, L1).
- Denmark have scored first in their last five Euro matches at a finals tournament (W3, L2).
Prediction
Having coincidentally met Denmark in this tournament’ qualifiers and narrowly failed to win both games, Slovenia will be hoping that it’s third time lucky in the space of 12 months especially with Sesko in form up front to spearhead their attack
Denmark meanwhile reached the semi-finals of Euro 2020 but they are once again considered underdogs, although I do expect them to be right up for this game to just get their tournament off to a strong start.
I however do feel this game and their final clash against Serbia could be key to Denmark’s qualification hopes and likewise for their two aforementioned opponents, which could well mean another tight contest and a draw might just be the fairest call.
Prediction: Slovenia 1-1 Denmark
Result: Slovenia 1-1 Denmark