Denmark and Serbia Battle for Knockout Stage in Euro 2024
The third and final matchday of Group C at the 2024 European Championship is crucial for both Denmark and Serbia. The winner of this match will advance to the knockout phase. Denmark, led by national coach Kasper Hjulmand, is confident but acknowledges the challenge ahead. Hjulmand stated, "It will be a difficult 50:50 game. We have to go full throttle. We have to push ourselves to the limit." Denmark's record against Serbia is favorable, with three wins in their last three encounters.
England's Position in Group C
England, widely favored in Group C, faces Slovenia in their final group stage match. The Three Lions, led by Gareth Southgate, have already secured a spot among the best third-placed teams. However, a less-than-first-place finish could place them in a tougher part of the bracket, potentially facing Portugal or Germany in the round of 16. England's performance has been mixed, with a narrow win against Serbia and a draw against Denmark.
Slovenia's and Serbia's Hopes
Slovenia, armed with the ambition of advancing past the first round for the first time in its history, faces a tough challenge against England. Jan Oblak's team managed to draw against Denmark and was close to winning against Serbia until Luka Jović's last-minute equalizer. Serbia, on the other hand, needs a win against Denmark to secure their place in the round of 16. National coach Dragan Stojkovic has announced potential changes to the lineup, with Luka Jović possibly starting.
- Denmark's Pierre-Emile Højbjerg will be returning to his old stomping ground, the stadium where he began his professional career with FC Bayern. Højbjerg, now with Tottenham Hotspur, expressed his excitement about playing in Munich again.
- Serbia's national coach Dragan Stojkovic is optimistic about his team's chances, describing the upcoming match as a 'football festival.' Stojkovic has hinted at changes in the lineup, but specifics remain uncertain. Luka Jović, who saved Serbia with a last-minute equalizer against Slovenia, might start the game.
- The hierarchy in Group C could see significant changes by the end of the final matchday. While England holds a lead, Denmark, Serbia, and Slovenia all have opportunities to advance to the round of 16, making the final matches highly contested.
