Denmark’s national team coach Kasper Hjulmand insists that Denmark will play to win against Serbia, regardless of what happens in Group C with rivals England and Slovenia. With two points from their first two games, Denmark will advance to the round of 16 in Euro 2024 with a win in Munich- but they can also still advance with a draw. England, with four points, has already secured a place in the round of 16, and the other three teams in the group are fighting to join them, all still with a chance. Slovenia will face Gareth Southgate’s team, while Denmark will take on Serbia.
“We are planning this match the same way we plan all matches – we always want to win,” said Hjulmand. “We miss being in the locker room and singing about victories. We know that a draw might be enough, but many different things can happen. Regardless, we play to win. We may be under pressure, but we will always look for opportunities to score. We strongly believe that we can win.”
There will be a reunion with the Allianz Arena for Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, who made his debut at the stadium for Bayern Munich in 2013. “This is where I took my first steps as a professional footballer. I debuted here and learned a lot,” said the 28-year-old Højbjerg. “I met many amazing people and had a fantastic time here. The stadium is exceptional. I just look back on that time with a smile.”
Højbjerg will also reunite with his former Southampton teammate Dusan Tadic, Serbia’s captain, who started their 1-1 match against Slovenia on Thursday. “We spent a lot of time together. I saw him as an older brother. He was my teacher, if you can say that. He took care of me, not just on the field,” said Højbjerg. “I am not surprised that he has done well. He is a player who loves to assist, so we need to be aware of that. I respect Dusan a lot.”
Serbia’s coach Dragan Stojkovic hopes that his team, who currently have one point, can start with more intensity after disappointing first halves against England and Slovenia. “It is one of the problems we are working on and want to improve. We spend a lot of time talking about it, training on it, and having meetings,” Stojkovic said. “We do not want to give the opponent the advantage in the first 45 minutes. We want to grab the game and get full control of the ball. I have a lot of respect for Danish football. From a physical standpoint, it will be a really good challenge. Technically, they have really good players.
“But I strongly believe that my players will be ready to play a good game, and I really hope that everyone enjoys the football from both sides.” Denmark gets a boost with the return of Anderlecht midfielder Thomas Delaney, who has recovered from illness. Captain Simon Kjær may also return for Denmark, but Serbia will be without Juventus winger Filip Kostic, who suffered a knee injury against England . Stojkovic also said that “there will be changes” in Serbia’s starting lineup.