Afrigather Verdict: Draw
Greatest odds: 11/5
Bookmaker: 888sport
Following their profitable qualification for the knockout part of Euro 2024, Denmark and Switzerland will now shift their focus to the UEFA Nations League as they start their League A Group 4 marketing campaign on Thursday in opposition to one another.
Each groups will probably be keen to construct on their momentum and make a robust begin to the match in Copenhagen.
Denmark
After a irritating summer time at Euro 2024, Denmark will look to safe their first win in 5 matches once they return to Parken Stadion on Thursday night. The Danes endured a troublesome group stage, managing solely two targets and no victories in Group C, though Morten Hjulmand’s gorgeous strike in opposition to England stood out as one of many match’s finest moments.
Regardless of their struggles, Denmark squeaked by way of to the knockout part, solely to face extra misfortune of their last-16 conflict with hosts Germany. A storm disrupted the match, and center-back Joachim Andersen skilled a sequence of unlucky occasions that contributed to Denmark’s elimination. After having a purpose disallowed for offside, Andersen then conceded a penalty for handball, which led to a 2-0 defeat.
Following the loss, head coach Kasper Hjulmand resigned, bringing an finish to his tenure that included main Denmark to the Euro 2020 semi-finals and guiding them by way of World Cup 2022 qualification, though the Danes finally completed backside of their group in Qatar. Hjulmand additionally oversaw two memorable Nations League victories over France, as Denmark narrowly missed out on reaching the finals, ending only one level behind Croatia in League A Group 1.
Hjulmand’s departure leaves a big void, as he posted a powerful report of 33 wins from 55 matches—successfully a 60% win fee. With a caretaker teaching staff in cost, Denmark will now intention to begin their Nations League marketing campaign on a constructive word, internet hosting each Switzerland and Serbia throughout this worldwide break.
Group Information
Denmark’s preparations for the Nations League marketing campaign have been disrupted by accidents and adjustments of their teaching employees. Midfielder Matt O’Riley, who just lately joined Brighton and Hove Albion from Celtic in a £25m transfer, has been dominated out after present process ankle surgical procedure. O’Riley’s withdrawal led to Maurits Kjaergaard being known as up as a substitute, however after Kjaergaard additionally pulled out, Brentford’s Mathias Jensen was added to the squad by interim coach Lars Knudsen.
Knudsen himself was solely just lately appointed after stand-in boss Morten Wieghorst went on sick depart. He’ll depend on the expertise of seasoned worldwide gamers, together with centurions Kasper Schmeichel and Christian Eriksen. Nevertheless, Denmark will probably be with out Barcelona defender Andreas Christensen and Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund.
Switzerland
Switzerland will enter the Nations League with ambitions of progressing to the ultimate match subsequent June, however they face a troublesome problem in a gaggle that features reigning Nations League champions Spain, contemporary from their triumphant European Championship marketing campaign. To maintain tempo with such formidable opposition, the Swiss can not afford any missteps as they kick off their marketing campaign in opposition to Denmark.
Regardless of being eradicated within the quarterfinals of Euro 2024, Switzerland left the match with some memorable moments, together with their spectacular 2-0 victory over holders Italy within the group stage. In addition they maintained an eight-game unbeaten run throughout all competitions, which included wins over Hungary and attracts with Scotland and Germany. Though penalties led to their eventual exit by the hands of England, the Rossocrociati have solely suffered one defeat (excluding shootouts) for the reason that 2022 World Cup.
Beneath the management of Murat Yakin, Switzerland produced a combined efficiency within the earlier Nations League, securing three wins and three losses in a troublesome group that featured Spain, Portugal, and the Czech Republic. Their failure to achieve the finals final time will function motivation, and their sturdy Euro 2024 displaying ought to give them confidence for the challenges forward.
Group Information
Each veteran goalkeeper Yann Sommer and long-serving ahead Xherdan Shaqiri have retired from worldwide soccer after Euro 2024. Sommer’s absence opens the door for Gregor Kobel to take over as the brand new first-choice goalkeeper, whereas Shaqiri leaves behind a legacy of 32 worldwide targets and 125 caps, lots of which got here on the most important levels in world soccer. Fabian Schar, one other seasoned participant, has additionally stepped away from worldwide responsibility to concentrate on his membership profession at Newcastle.
Except for these departures, Switzerland’s squad stays largely unchanged, with acquainted faces returning to proceed their Nations League journey. Captain Granit Xhaka will lead the midfield, providing each expertise and management. In defence, Manchester Metropolis’s Manuel Akanji stays a key determine, anchoring a backline that will probably be essential because the Swiss intention to make a robust begin in Copenhagen.
Conclusion
Switzerland might enter their Nations League opener as slight favorites, given their constant performances and an skilled squad. Nevertheless, Denmark, regardless of the uncertainty surrounding their managerial state of affairs and the absence of key gamers, typically discover an additional gear when enjoying on the Parken Stadium. A share of the spoils seems doubtless.
Verdict: Draw
Greatest odds: 11/5
Bookmaker: 888sport
