Denmark Advances to Euro 2024 Knockout Stage Despite Draw Against Serbia

by Pooja Chauhan · 26/06/2024

Denmark secures a spot in the Euro 2024 knockout stage with a 0-0 draw against Serbia, though their lack of cutting edge could pose challenges against Germany in the next round.

Germany, Bollywood Fever: Denmark entered their final Group C match against Serbia on Tuesday, knowing that a draw would be sufficient to advance to the last 16 of Euro 2024. Despite dominating the game, Denmark’s inability to convert their chances may be a concern as they move into the knockout stages.

In the end, three draws were enough for the Danes to progress and secure the runners-up spot ahead of Slovenia, a team they also faced in qualifying. The qualifying group concluded with both sides level on points, but Denmark topped the group due to their superior head-to-head record, having drawn only once in their 10 qualifying games.

Serbia's Euro 2024 Journey Ends in Disappointment with Draw Against Denmark — Euro 2024

At Euro 2024, however, Denmark has yet to secure a victory. Despite outshooting their opponents and controlling possession in all three group matches, they have only managed draws. This trend continued against a Serbian side desperate for a win to advance.

Serbia, needing a victory to realistically progress, managed only one shot on target, which came in added time. Despite fielding Dusan Vlahovic, Luka Jovic, and Aleksandar Mitrovic upfront, they were unable to penetrate Denmark’s defense. Denmark, on the other hand, had 10 shots on goal, with three on target, but played cautiously, aiming to secure the draw.

“We have progressed at the Euros, we have come second,” Danish midfielder Morten Hjulmand said. “Of course we would have liked more points, but the goal was to advance from the group. It was a very tactical affair. In the second half, maybe we dropped a bit low because we knew that, with that result, we would go through, while Serbia had to come forward and attack.”

The match was indeed tactical, with Serbia taking more risks in the second half but failing to break down the Danish defense. “I actually think we parried really well and kept them from big chances, the boys fought really well,” Danish keeper Kasper Schmeichel said. “It’s going to be great against Germany; if we don’t believe in our chances, we might as well go home.”

To have a realistic hope of defeating the Euro hosts in Dortmund on Saturday, Denmark will need not only to believe in their chances, as Schmeichel emphasized, but also to capitalize on those opportunities. Their performance against Germany will require a sharp attacking edge if they are to continue their Euro 2024 journey successfully.

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