The 2024 European Championship is set to kick off with an eagerly anticipated match between Slovenia and Denmark in Group C. This crucial fixture will take place on Sunday, June 16, 2024, at 6 p.m. at the Stuttgart Arena. Fans can catch the game live on free TV, courtesy of ZDF, or through various streaming services.
The importance of this opening match cannot be overstated, as the winner would take a significant step towards advancing to the knockout stages. Denmark, under the leadership of head coach Kasper Hjulmand, is entering the contest as the favorite. However, they are mindful of the threat posed by Slovenia and are not taking this match lightly.
For Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen, this game marks a poignant return to the European Championship stage after his heart stopped during Euro 2021. His recovery and continued presence on the field have been sources of inspiration for both teammates and fans alike. Eriksen's role as a leader and key player for Denmark is widely acknowledged, both on and off the pitch.
Denmark's journey to Euro 2024 has not been without challenges. Ranked 21st in the world by FIFA, they have experienced a decline in form, evidenced by their underwhelming performance at the recent World Cup. Despite these setbacks, they managed to top their qualifying group, albeit not without hiccups, including defeats to Northern Ireland and Kazakhstan.
One of the standout players for Denmark is young striker Rasmus Hojlund, who is expected to lead the attack. The Manchester United star has already proven his mettle against Slovenia during the qualifiers and is hoped to be Denmark's new hero. The psychological edge seems to be with the Danes, who emerged victorious in one match and drew another during their recent encounters with Slovenia.
The broadcast of the match between Slovenia and Denmark will be available on free-TV broadcaster ZDF, starting from 5:15 p.m. with preliminary reports and leading to the kick-off at 6:00 p.m. It will also be available for streaming via the ZDF media library and Magenta TV, the latter requiring a paid subscription.
- This year's European Championship brings a mix of emotions and expectations for the Danish team. Their journey during the 2021 championship was fraught with significant highs and lows, from Christian Eriksen's near-fatal heart attack to their remarkable run to the semi-finals.
- Denmark is in a group alongside heavyweights like England, but with manageable opponents such as Serbia and Slovenia. This setting provides them a golden opportunity to advance, granted they avoid slipping in what appears to be an 'affordable Group C.' The outcome of this initial match could set the tone for Denmark's quest in the tournament.
