Eriksen shines, but Denmark stumble again in opening Euro draw with Slovenia

Denmark's recent pattern of excellent attacking and poor defending returned to haunt them in their Group C Euro 2024 opener against Slovenia, as they squandered a lead to draw 1-1 on Sunday in a game they should have won.

Christian Eriksen excelled as a playmaker, scoring the opening goal and creating nearly everything of note for Denmark, but his team's defence failed them once more as they ran out of steam in the second half.

"Of course, there has to be energy all the time, but that's what happens in football games, sometimes it changes ... but I think the lack of the second goal also has an influence," Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand said.

Flanked by Eriksen, who was named man of the match, the 53-year-old praised the midfielder's ability to control the game after recovering from a near-fatal cardiac arrest in their Euro 2020 opener against Finland.

"He (Eriksen) has something very special," Hjulmand said.

"He played a fantastic game for us today and he is the rhythm of our team. We want to push him close to the goal and we see again today why, because he has some finishing and break-through skills that we need."

Denmark's coach has been chastised for relying on Eriksen, who only played sparingly for Manchester United last season, but he remains adamant in his decision to include him.

"I have never had my doubts with Christian as a football player, you cannot hold down that kind of class. He is a natural player who knows the rhythm of the game - we say he's the heart of our game. For me he's a great player, and he showed it today," he said.

Denmark's next group game is against England on Thursday, while Slovenia will face Serbia.

SportsLigue