Due to the league table situation, the Serbs in particular were under pressure. However, the Danes opted for the more active approach. They did not shine like they did in their semi-final foray in 2021, but still found one or two solutions to appear dangerously in front of Serbia’s keeper. Predrag Rajkovic had to make a strong save from a long-range shot by Christian Eriksen (21′). Rasmus Höjlund (32′) and Jonas Wind (39′) knocked on the door with half chances.
Serbia’s coach Dragan Stojkovic had completely restructured the midfield and attack compared to the last-minute 1:1 draw with Slovenia. However, the change did not produce the desired result. Rather, his unimaginative team impressively demonstrated why they only managed one goal in the tournament. Further adjustments were necessary at half-time, with Dusan Tadic and Luka Jovic bringing on two top attacking players who immediately sparked cheers when they played together.
Reuters/Leonhard Simon The match offered few highlights, but numerous duels
Light food at the end of the group
After Tadic’s through ball, Jovic forced Joachim Andersen to score what appeared to be an own goal, which was disallowed due to Jovic being offside (54th minute). Later, Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic, a third Serbian centre-forward, came into play in a game that was much more open after the break. On the Danish side, United striker Höjlund, who was still struggling to get going, had to make way early for Kasper Dolberg (59th minute).
There were few chances to score. Jannik Vestergaard headed the ball into the hands of Rajkovic (65th minute), and the score in the parallel match between England and Slovenia remained 0:0. Slovenia and Denmark were well on their way to securing second place in the long-distance duel based on yellow cards.
Eriksen replaces Kjaer as record player
The Danes around Eriksen, who replaced Simon Kjaer (substitute) as Denmark’s record player with his 133rd international appearance, continued to dominate the game – the final phase was heated with a rather hesitant Serbian attack. Mitrovic unsuccessfully appealed for a penalty because of a shirt tug (83rd minute), on the other side a cross from Mähle whizzed past the far corner (86th minute). Serbia’s prominent attack had no real chance.
UEFA Euro 2024, third matchday, Group C
Tuesday:
Denmark – Serbia 0:0
Munich, SR Letexier (FRA)
Denmark: Schmeichel – Andersen, Christensen, Vestergaard – Bah (77./Kristiansen), Hjulmand (77./Delaney), Höjbjerg, Mähle – Eriksen (88./Poulsen) – Wind (46./Skov Olsen), Höjlund (59./ Dolberg)
Serbia: Rajkovic – Veljkovic, Milenkovic, Pavlovic, – Mihajlovic (73./Mladenovic), Ilic (67./Vlahovic), Gudelj (46./Jovic), Zivkovic – Samardzic (46./Tadic), Mitrovic, Lukic (87./Milinkovic-Savic)
Yellow cards: Wind, Hjulmand and Milenkovic, Mitrovic
