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Slovenia vs Denmark LIVE: Euro 2024 result and reaction as Janza grabs draw after emotional Eriksen goal

Slovenia fought back to earn a battling point against Denmark as Christian Eriksen was denied an emotional winner on his return to European Championship football.

Danish talisman Eriksen suffered a heart attack in their Euro 2020 opener against Finland, but looked to have set his side on course for victory three years on after finishing off a clever move from a throw-in on the right. Eriksen, who had to be brought back to life when he last featured in the Euros, was mobbed by his team mates after giving his side a 17th-minute lead.

But despite dominating possession, Denmark struggled to create clear openings, with Jan Oblak forced into only one save from a sliding Rasmus Hojlund. It left them vulnerable to a late Slovenia leveller, which arrived mere moments after striker Benjamin Sesko had struck the woodwork from distance: a bouncing ball was lashed into Morten Hjulmand by left-back Erik Janza, deflecting past a helpless Kasper Schmeichel in goal to earn Slovenia a 1-1 draw and a potentially valuable point.

Denmark, though, will have disappointed to have ceded a position of strength with tough fixtures against England and Serbia to come in Group C at Euro 2024.

Re-live all of the action from Denmark v Slovenia:

Euro 2024: Slovenia v Denmark

  • FULL TIME! Slovenia 1-1 Denmark

  • GOAL! Erik Janza fires home deflected equaliser after corner half-cleared (SVN 1-1 DEN, 78 mins)

  • POST! Benjamin Sesko thumps the woodwork as Slovenia hunt leveller (SVN 0-1 DEN, 76 mins)

  • HALF TIME: Slovenia 0-1 Denmark

  • GOAL! Christian Eriksen puts Denmark ahead on Euros return (SVN 0-1 DEN, 17 mins)

  • England’s Group C opponents Slovenia and Denmark draw before Three Lions take on Serbia later

Slovenia 1 - 1 Denmark

Christian Eriksen does the impossible yet again in surreal full-circle moment at Euro 2024

19:04 , Alex Pattle

You have to wonder what sort of thoughts were swirling around Christian Eriksen’s head, as the Denmark talisman waited for the first whistle to sound. It would be understandable if some of them were dark, frightening, or even traumatic. For the last time he began a European Championship campaign, three summers ago, Eriksen died for five minutes.

That day in Copenhagen, as Denmark faced Finland, Eriksen was not brought back from the brink – he had passed it. He was brought back from the beyond.

Naturally, after being resuscitated from his cardiac arrest, he could not leave the pitch under his own power. Instead, he was carefully lifted off the turf and carried off the field, as his wife and teammates tearfully feared the worst and hoped for the best – whatever that could possibly mean.

That moment, of course, could have marked the end of Eriksen’s career. Frankly, it could have marked the end. Full stop. Yet on a spring Sunday in Stuttgart, 1,100 days later, here he stood.

Christian Eriksen does the impossible yet again in surreal full-circle moment

FT: Slovenia 1-1 Denmark

18:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A disappointing result for Denmark, you’d say, having led for so long and spent so much of the encounter in control of ball and contest. But having taken a first-half lead through Christian Eriksen - a fitting scorer on his return to Euros football 1100 days from his on-pitch collapse - the Danes largely failed to trouble Jan Oblak, one sharp save from Rasmus Hojlund about all the Slovenian shot-stopper was forced into in the second half.

By contract, Marjas Kek’s side grew into it, Erik Janza’s deflected equaliser coming mere moments after Benjamin Sesko had rattled the woodwork. They’ll be rather more pleased to have pinched a point ahead of fixtures against Serbia and England to come.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

FULL TIME! Slovenia 1-1 Denmark

18:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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(Getty Images)

Slovenia 1-1 Denmark, 90 + 3 minutes

18:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Frustrated faces in the Danish sections of MHP Arena.

Slovenia remove both strikers: Andraz Sporar and Benjamin Sesko are replaced by the rather more defensively-minded Jasmin Kurtic and David Brekalo for the little that remains.

Slovenia 1-1 Denmark, 90 + 3 minutes

18:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Denmark have six men in the box but to no avail. Erik Janza, whose been excellent at both ends of the pitch today, wins a key defensive header.

Slovenia 1-1 Denmark, 90 + 2 minutes

18:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Yussuf Poulsen and Kasper Dolberg both go after a raking pass that pitches and curls past Jan Oblak’s goal. Neither is particularly close to it.

Slovenia 1-1 Denmark, 90 minutes

18:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Kasper Hjulmand removes midfield namesake Morten (no relation) as his final change. Thomas Delaney on.

Slovenia 1-1 Denmark, 87 minutes

18:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Denmark need to find a way to lift the energy again. Despite having nearly 70% of the ball, they’ve created just three shots on goal, the latest of which gently trims the grass on the way through to Jan Oblak.

Slovenia 1-1 Denmark, 84 minutes

18:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A triple substitution for Denmark. Both strikers are removed - Yussuf Poulsen and Kasper Dolberg on for Rasmus Hojlund and Jonas Wind - while the fresh legs of Christian Norgaard are required in midfield. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is the other man replaced.

Slovenia 1-1 Denmark, 81 minutes

18:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Suddenly, Slovenia look like favourites. They are some leggy Danes out there, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg laboured in midfield and Jannik Vestergaard ghosted past by Andraz Sporar. His effort clips the fingers of Kasper Schmiechel and buries itself in the side netting. Denmark look nervy.

GOAL! SLOVENIA 1-1 Denmark (Erik Janza, 78 minutes)

18:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

But that one finds the back of the net!

Slovenia are level! The corner is half cleared to Erik Janza, arriving from the left and leathering his laces through the bouncing ball. It ruffles the rump of Morten Hjulmand, diverting it beyond a wrong-footed Kasper Schmiechel to square affairs in Stuttgart!

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(Getty Images)

Slovenia 0-1 Denmark, 76 minutes

18:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Off the woodwork! An amazing effort from Benjamin Sesko deflects against the post. So nearly...

Slovenia 0-1 Denmark, 75 minutes

18:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A double change for Slovenia. On come Jan Gorenc Stankovic and Zan Celar for Timi Max Elsnik and Jan Malakar.

Slovenia 0-1 Denmark, 74 minutes

18:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It should have been! How has Andraz Sporar missed?

A brilliant ball from Erik Janza bends beautifully beyond the Denmark defensive line, and Sporar looks to have the simple job of diverting it home. But it’s a meaty connection, off ankle or shin rather than his pointed boot, and away it flies with Kasper Schmiechel not even required to save it.

Slovenia 0-1 Denmark, 73 minutes

18:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Another Slovenian change or two look to be imminent as they look to open this game up again. Benjamin Sesko is fouled by Joachim Andersen, tumbling backwards with the Crystal Palace defender clawing at his shoulders. Might this be their chance?

Slovenia 0-1 Denmark, 70 minutes

18:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

An increasingly frustrated Slovenia coaching staff make their point a little too vociferously to the fourth official, prompting a visit (and a yellow card) from referee Sandro Schafer.

On the pitch, meanwhile, Denmark draw a corner with a promising forward foray. It’s an inviting cross, but Jonas Wind mistimes his jump and heads over the top.

Slovenia 0-1 Denmark, 67 minutes

18:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A first switch from Matjaz Kek: on comes Benjamin Verbic for Petar Stojanovic, offering a little bit of extra attacking capability out wide.

Slovenia 0-1 Denmark, 65 minutes

18:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Kept out by Jan Oblak! A top save from the vastly experienced keeper, such a good shot-stopper for so long at Atletico Madrid. A ball in from the left arcs on to a sliding Rasmus Hojlund’s toe, but Oblak spreads himself superbly, eventually taking Hojlund’s tap in the abdomen before smothering it clear.

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(Getty Images)

Slovenia 0-1 Denmark, 63 minutes

18:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Timi Max Elsnik is given time and space on the left and aims something ambitious towards two team mates in the Denmark box. But the three centre halves are wise to the threat - the trio of Andersen, Christensen and Vestergaard has worked well today.

Slovenia 0-1 Denmark, 60 minutes

18:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Benjamin Sesko takes a forward pass deftly with the side of his foot, though had strayed offside when the ball was played. It’s not quite happened for the in-demand striker so far.

Slovenia 0-1 Denmark, 57 minutes

18:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Denmark have just put their foot on the ball again, so to speak, after that flurry of Slovenian activity around their area. A second goal would kill the contest off, you’d say.

Benjamin Sesko has struggled to make an impact so far for Slovenia (Getty Images)
Benjamin Sesko has struggled to make an impact so far for Slovenia (Getty Images)

Slovenia 0-1 Denmark, 54 minutes

18:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A first caution of the match, the yellow card shown rather harshly to Petar Stojanovic after he trips Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. Stojanovic doesn’t look best pleased, marching back and spitting at the floor.

And the free kick nearly results in an own goal! Andreas Christensen flicks it into the chest of the defender beyond him, and Jan Oblak is motionless as he watches it go a yard or so past his post.

Slovenia 0-1 Denmark, 52 minutes

18:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Another long throw causes chaos in the Denmark box. The ball eventually ricochets away, but the Swiss referee Sandro Scharer brings us to a halt after a chirp in his ear from VAR Fedayi San. Quickly cleared and on we go, but those hurls look like they might just bring joy for Slovenia at some stage.

Slovenia 0-1 Denmark, 50 minutes

18:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Almost an equaliser! Erik Janza launches a long throw in the general direction of Kasper Schmiechel, who stays on his line even as it lands inside his six-yard box. Andraz Sporar is therefore favourite for it, the striker having got the run on Jannik Vestergaard, but he can’t make contact!

Slovenia 0-1 Denmark, 48 minutes

18:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Rasmus Hojlund and Vanja Drkusic have enjoyed their battle today, each man giving the other plenty of physicality. The Slovenia defender slides in firmly on the Denmark striker, who bumps him with his shoulder when they next interact.

Slovenia 0-1 Denmark, 46 minutes

18:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

No half-time changes, it would appear.

Second half...

18:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

I don’t think Matjaz Kek was a particularly happy man after that first half. His side haven’t done too badly defensively but they must surely be looking for more threat going forward. Can they get Benjamin Sesko more involved?

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(Getty Images)

HT: Slovenia 0-1 Denmark

17:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A half highlighted by a beautiful goal and a beautiful moment that has Denmark deservedly in front. We anticipated that they would dominate possession in Stuttgart, and Slovenia have not been able to disrupt them. It had to be Christian Eriksen to get the goal, the midfielder breaking into the box to latch on to a clever flick for a Jonas Wind-assisted opener.

Clear sightings of Jan Oblak’s net have been relatively few and far between since, but Denmark will be content as they munch on their oranges.

HALF TIME: SLOVENIA 0-1 DENMARK

17:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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(Getty Images)

Slovenia 0-1 Denmark, 45 minutes

17:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Into one additional minute at the end of the half...

...which passes without notable incident.

Slovenia 0-1 Denmark, 43 minutes

17:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A poor miss from Christian Eriksen! The Denmark midfielder throws his head back in frustration having lifted his effort like a Jonny Wilkinson drop goal. A bobbling ball, a lean back as he strikes - you’d have expected better...

Slovenia 0-1 Denmark, 41 minutes

17:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A slight lull in the tempo as half time approaches. Denmark still making the running but not with any particular urgency.

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(Getty Images)

Slovenia 0-1 Denmark, 38 minutes

17:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Slovenia play it short, backwards, backwards, and then launch it into the box; alas, two of the quartet of white-shirted individuals left waiting are in offside positions. Wasteful.

Slovenia 0-1 Denmark, 37 minutes

17:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A glimpse of Benjamin Sesko’s athleticism as he bursts beyond Alexander Bah to retrieve a bouncing ball. He’s then the target of a Andraz Sporar cross, which Bah is forced to turn behind.

Slovenia 0-1 Denmark, 34 minutes

17:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Sweet feet from Christian Eriksen to create room for a whipped cross that Rasmus Hojlund would have tapped home if not for Jaka Bijol’s intervention. Eriksen’s corner hits the head of Andreas Christensen, too, though the defender can’t force his header goalwards.

Slovenia 0-1 Denmark, 31 minutes

17:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Case in point. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg gets in a muddle in possession on halfway and allows Slovenia to break, but with support arriving, Andraz Sporar charges aimlessly up the right, head down all the way. When he eventually looks up, his cross is meek and headed all too easily away.

Slovenia 0-1 Denmark, 30 minutes

17:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Slovenia just need to settle into this game. That Benjamin Sesko speculator is comfortably the closest they’ve come so far, though there are spaces appearing in the Denmark backline. Some composure and calm could open them up.

Slovenia 0-1 Denmark, 27 minutes

17:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Christian Eriksen seems to be enjoying his freedom as the foremost of a Danish midfield prong. We didn’t see much of him darting into the box at Manchester United this year, but the experienced midfielder almost has sight of a second having made a timely surge. A corner.

Not far away! Jan Oblak scrambles to his right but is fortunate that the hop of the ball is wide of his upright, a Slovenian defender having touched the delivery last and almost diverted it past their goalkeeper.

Slovenia 0-1 Denmark, 23 minutes

17:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Slovenia have woken up a touch, getting their midfield pair of Timi Max Elsnink and Adam Gnezda Cerin on the ball. Petar Stojanovic has looked enterprising so far - more usually a right-back, he’s playing on the edge of the midfield four and nearly latches on to a diagonal.

Slovenia 0-1 Denmark, 20 minutes

17:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Denmark merited that opener - they’ve completely controlled the flow of this first half so far. Slovenia just switched off momentarily after the ball went out of play, but full credit to the Danes for the excellence of execution thereafter.

GOAL! Slovenia 0-1 DENMARK (Christian Eriksen, 17 minutes)

17:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

What a moment for Christian Eriksen!

Denmark are in front! And it’s a beautifully constructed goal with no more deserving scorer. A quick throw-in to Jonas Wind is intelligently and adroitly flicked on by the striker’s heel, allowing Eriksen to chest it down and direct a fine finish into the far corner. Away he wheels to be embraced by his team mates - 1100 days after being brought back to life, Eriksen is on the scoresheet at a Euros.

Slovenia 0-0 Denmark, 16 minutes

17:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Jaka Bijol lumberjacks the legs of Jonas Wind with a rather nasty challenge for which the centre half is rather fortunate not to be punished beyond a free kick. Sandro Scharer has a word.

Close! Nearly something from nothing from Benjamin Sesko, turning on the ball 30 yards out and generating remarkable power in his snapshot. Kasper Schmiechel is beaten; so, fortunately for the goalkeeper, is his right-hand post.

Slovenia 0-0 Denmark, 13 minutes

17:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The shapes are good from Denmark, the blond bonces of Morten Hjulmand and Viktor Kristiansen bouncing about as the pair trade passes up the left. Slovenia holding firm for now but struggling mightily to escape their own territory.

Slovenia 0-0 Denmark, 11 minutes

17:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A slightly better ball from Christian Eriksen as the midfielder delivers a free kick from about 40 yards out on the angle. Andreas Christensen flicks it over the bar, throwing his head back with a little too much oomph.

Slovenia 0-0 Denmark, 9 minutes

17:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Zippy passing from Denmark’s midfield three and Christian Eriksen lifts a dainty pass to Rasmus Hojlund. Out to the right the centre forward looks, and Alexander Bah’s drive is blocked behind. Corner kick.

Christian Eriksen will swing it in...tame. Headed away.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Slovenia 0-0 Denmark, 7 minutes

17:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Jonas Wind is released in behind the Slovenia back four, but the forward miscontrols, affording Jaka Bijol the chance to recover. The flag was up, regardless, though Wind will be disappointed with his touch.

Slovenia 0-0 Denmark, 6 minutes

17:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A little better from the Slovenes, first Peter Stojanovic and then Andraz Sporar toting the ball up the right. Benjamin Sesko is a lonely target in the box, though, and Denmark cut out the cross in comfort.

Slovenia 0-0 Denmark, 5 minutes

17:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A rare misstep in possession from Morten Hjlumand, but the midfielder steps in firmly to atone. Slovenia have barely had a sniff of the ball so far; Denmark’s back three have the halfway line on their heels.

Slovenia 0-0 Denmark, 3 minutes

17:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Rasmus Hojlund has lost a boot, stepped on by Vanja Drkusic as the pair pursued a ball eventually cleared by another Slovenian defender. A tad clumsy from the centre-half, but far enough away from the action to go unpunished. Hojlund retrieves his footwear and gets going again.

Slovenia 0-0 Denmark, 2 minutes

17:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And Kristiansen rather niftily keeps the ball in up in the corner, spinning around the flag like a ballroom dancer. His ball in hits Slovenian legs but Denmark soon settle into their stride in possession.

Slovenia 0-0 Denmark, 1 minute

17:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A 4-4-2, it appears from Slovenia, with Andraz Sporar supporting Benjamin Sesko. Denmark are looking to use the width, too, with Alexander Bah and Viktor Kirstiansen both pushing up the flanks either side of the back three.

KICK OFF!

17:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Slovenia vs Denmark is underway in Stuttgart!

Slovenia vs Denmark

16:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Anthems done - it’s go time in Germany. Three points here for either side would be valuable in what looks a competitive group. It’s a Swiss officiating team led by referee Sandro Scharer and VAR Fedayi San.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Slovenia vs Denmark

16:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Out the players come, every member of the Slovenia squad stepping on to the major tournament stage for the first time. Kasper Schmiechel skippers Denmark in the absence of Simon Kjaer, leading his team mates out alongside Slovenian counterpart Jan Oblak.

There look to be plenty in from both nations, with a capacity crowd at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart.

Benjamin Sesko spearheads Slovenia’s Euro 2024 assault as Arsenal and Chelsea watch on

16:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Slovenia made the most of a favourable draw in the qualifiers for Germany 2024 to reach their second European Championship, 24 years after their debut appearance at the tournament.

They lost only twice as they finished second in Group H, level on points behind Denmark and ahead of Finland, Kazakhstan, Northern Ireland and San Marino, to book a place at the finals.

Participation in Germany will mark only the fourth major international tournament for the former Yugoslav republic, who have been playing as an independent entity since 1992.

As well as Euro 2000, where they drew two games and lost the other in the group phase, Slovenia also qualified for the World Cup in 2002 and 2010 but have yet to go beyond the group stage.

Victory over Algeria in South Africa in 2010 is their only success at a major tournament and came under coach Matjaz Kek, who has been back for a second spell since 2018 and engineered the latest qualification.

Benjamin Sesko spearheads Slovenia’s Euro 2024 assault as Arsenal watch on

Slovenia vs Denmark

16:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

You’d imagine that Denmark are going to look to dominate the ball today. There’s plenty of experience with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Christian Eriksen in midfield, while Morten Hjulmand is a tidy player, too. Can Slovenia, and Benjamin Sesko particularly, get after the back three on the counter, though? Sesko may be six-foot-five but the Leipzig striker is such a smooth mover.

Benjamin Sesko will be key for Slovenia (PA Wire)
Benjamin Sesko will be key for Slovenia (PA Wire)

Slovenia boss Matjaz Kek wants his side to be fearless

16:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Slovenia will embrace their moment in the spotlight at the European Championship and can spring a major upset, coach Matjaz Kek said on the eve of their Group C opener against Denmark on Sunday.

Slovenia return to the Euros for the second time having last featured in 2000. The team’s last international tournament was the 2010 World Cup, during Kek’s first spell as coach, so for his 26-man squad it is their first experience of the big stage.

A record number of Slovenian fans are expected at the match in Stuttgart - 503 kilometres from the former Yugoslav republic’s capital Ljubljana - and Kek said his side should revel in their underdog status.

“Why would you want to shut out this external noise? This is a privilege that our players have earned with their attitude and performances,” a smiling Kek told a press conference.

“Maybe they should have played at previous tournaments but we are here now. The majority of our young players have never experienced that, at club or national level.

“We are here at the highest level and I’m convinced that we will do everything to get a positive result, because you can be afraid even if you are a big name.”

Wout Weghorst finds perfect timing to reprise his role as Netherlands’ tournament super sub

16:30 , Richard Jolly

It may be of scant consolation to Poland but the World Cup winners have suffered the same fate. A Netherlands manager, seeking a goal and a game-changing substitute, summoned Wout Weghorst. And, like a force of nature, he felt unstoppable. It wasn’t quite enough to eliminate Argentina in the World Cup quarter-final but, when Poland were closing in on a point in Euro 2024, Weghorst went from the bench to the scoresheet in two minutes.

Weghorst’s perfect timing to reprise his role as Netherlands’ tournament super sub

Christian Eriksen urges Denmark to stay calm on emotional Euros return

16:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Christian Eriksen has called on Denmark to relax ahead of their Euro 2024 opener against Slovenia, which is set to be his first return to European Championship action since suffering a cardiac arrest on the pitch during the group stage three years ago.

The 32-year-old midfielder needed life-saving treatment when he collapsed against Finland at the tournament in 2021, postponed a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and scored against Netherlands on his emotional return for Denmark in March 2022.

England captain Harry Kane sent the Danes out in extra time of their Euro 2020 semi-final, but Eriksen insists his side have consigned that tournament to history.

He said: “I think (2021) were great memories. Of course it started very negative and very pessimistic, but later on everything got more optimistic and we got more free.

“But there’s been a lot of years since then, and we’re just going to focus on the games now, so as (head coach) Kasper Hjulmand said, we just have to do our best now and be relaxed.”

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(Getty Images)

Team news - Denmark

16:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

As expected, there is no place for captain Simon Kjaer in the Danish side - Kasper Hjulmand boasts plenty of options at the back and looks set to deploy Joachim Anderson, Andreas Christensen and Jannik Vestergaard in a defensive three. Christian Eriksen starts again in the Euros, three years on from a life-changing day.

Denmark XI: Kasper Schmiechel; Joachim Andersen, Andreas Christensen, Jannik Vestergaard; Alexander Bah, Morten Hjulmand, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Christian Eriksen, Viktor Kristiansen; Jonas Wind, Rasmus Hojlund.

Team news - Slovenia

16:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Vanja Drkusic gets the nod as Jaka Bijol’s centre half partner for Slovenia, with David Brekalo on the bench. Benjamin Sesko starts alongside Andraz Sporar in what looks a potent forward line.

Slovenia XI: Jan Oblak; Zan Karnicnik, Vanja Drkusic, Jaka Bijol, Erik Janza; Peter Stojanovic, Timi Max Elsnik, Adam Gnezda Cerin, Jan Malakar; Andraz Sporar, Benjamin Sesko.

On to Slovenia vs Denmark...

16:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Could this be the summer of the impact big man? That’s goals now for both Wout Weghorst and Niclas Fullkrug, continuing a resurgence for the traditional centre forward that we’ve seen across the European season.

We’ve got two more fine strikers on show in this afternoon’s second game - Slovenia and Denmark are just beginning their preparations in Stuttgart, so let’s check in on the two teams...

FULL TIME - Poland 1-2 Netherlands

16:01 , Chris Wilson

So the Netherlands earn what could be a crucial three points in the context of their run at Euro 2024.

Poland played valiantly at times but just didn’t have enough quality in the end. They’ll hope to welcome back Robert Lewandowski for their game against Austria on 21 June (that game kicks off at 5pm BST in Berlin).

The Netherlands face France in their next game, which takes place on Friday 21 June at 8pm BST in Leipzig.

15:57 , Chris Wilson

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(Getty Images)
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(Getty Images)
 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

FULL-TIME - Poland 1-2 Netherlands

15:53 , Chris Wilson

Buksa wins the header from Szczesny’s long ball, and it falls to Zalewski, who fires a powerful effort on target and forces a comfortable save from Verbruggen.

There’s no time for any more play, and the Netherlands take the three points!

93’ - Poland 1-2 Netherlands

15:51 , Chris Wilson

Moder goes long and Poland win the throw, but it’s cleared. Poland come again, but Dumfries does well to intercept.

92’ - Poland 1-2 Netherlands

15:50 , Chris Wilson

It’s Poland in the ascendency as the game approaches it’s end, but they can’t fashion a clear-cut chance.

The ball falls to Moder and the opts to shoot from distance, but it’s straight at Verbruggen.

90’ - Poland 1-2 Netherlands

15:49 , Chris Wilson

The Dutch don’t bother delivering a ball into the area, opting to play it back and keep possession.

However, Poland win it back and Piotrowski does brilliantly down the left, beating his man in the box and cutting it back to Swiderski, who hits a low shot that Verbruggen does well to get down and save. Piotrowski hits the rebound against the side-netting.

There’ll be five minutes of added time.

88’ - Poland 1-2 Netherlands

15:45 , Chris Wilson

A speculative ball over the top lands at the feet of Frimpong, who brings it down well on the edge of the box but can’t make anything of it. Shortly after, Weghorst wins a free-kick after a foul from Zalewski.

86’ - Poland 1-2 Netherlands

15:44 , Chris Wilson

Exactly what Koeman wanted from Weghorst, that. He took it well too, reacting to the half-volley as it came across.

Poland bring off Salamon for Bartosz Bereszyński, while the Netherlands take off Ake for Micky van de Ven.

GOAL! 83’ - Poland 1-2 Netherlands

15:42 , Chris Wilson

GOAL! And the Dutch are ahead!

Ake picks the ball up on the left and drives towards the box before slipping in a pass. It’s deflected into the path of Wout Weghorst, who’s only just come on, but he takes it first time as it comes across his body to fire it low past Szczesny.

82’ - Poland 1-1 Netherlands

15:40 , Chris Wilson

Szczesny does well to react quickly to come off his line and collects a long ball that had been destined for Frimpong.

80’ - Poland 1-1 Netherlands

15:38 , Chris Wilson

Poland win a corner, and Swiderski delivers, but the Netherlands manage to head it out before Verbruggen collects the follow-up cross.

The Netherlands make two changes: Gakpo is replaced by Wout Weghorst, while Depay comes off for Jeremie Frimpong.

77’ - Poland 1-1 Netherlands

15:35 , Chris Wilson

The Netherlands give it away cheaply, and their period of sustained pressure seems to have ended.

Poland make a change as Zielinski comes off for Piotrowski.

75’ - Poland 1-1 Netherlands

15:32 , Chris Wilson

Moder gets down the left and clips in a cross, but Ake heads away.

Moder then gets another chance to swing one in, but Verbruggen collects easily enough.

73’ - Poland 1-1 Netherlands

15:31 , Chris Wilson

Malen, who’s been dangerous since coming in, is the latest to win a corner. Depay swings it in and De Vrij gets his head to it, but he can only guide it just over the bar.

71’ - Poland 1-1 Netherlands

15:29 , Chris Wilson

Dumfries remains a threat down the right and he clips in another dangerous cross, but there’s nobody in a blue shirt to reach the knock down.

70’ - Poland 1-1 Netherlands

15:28 , Chris Wilson

A good combination from the Dutch as Malen drives at the Poland defence. His touch is heavy but it runs to Depay, who tries to take it around the defender, but his touch lands at the feet of Dumfries, whose half-pass, half-shot ends up being blocked by Szczesny.

69’ - Poland 1-1 Netherlands

15:26 , Chris Wilson

Brilliant from Reijnders, who slips it through to the unmarked Schoeten in the box. He tries to cut it back to Depay, but his touch is poor and the chance gets away from him.

67’ - Poland 1-1 Netherlands

15:25 , Chris Wilson

Depay and Reijnders almost combine to release the former in the box, but it’s cleared. The Dutch press high as they try to win it back, and Ake wins a throw in the Poland half.

The Dutch recycle possession, but it all ends in a promising Poland attack that is eventually wasted by Swiderski.

64’ - Poland 1-1 Netherlands

15:22 , Chris Wilson

A chance for the Netherlands as Reijnders ships it across to Malen, who squares it again to Dumfries. The full-back drives into the box and hits a shot across goal, but it goes wide of the far post.

61’ - Poland 1-1 Netherlands

15:20 , Chris Wilson

Poland are full of confidence now. First they have a corner which is headed clear, before Jakub Moder gets in behind the defence and clips the ball over to Nicola Zalewski, who fires over the bar.

The Netherlands make two changes, with Donyell Malen and Giorginio Wijnaldum come on for Xavi Simons and Veerman.

58’ - Poland 1-1 Netherlands

15:18 , Chris Wilson

Brilliant from Zalewski as he beats a challenge and carries Poland out of their own half, eventually winning a free-kick not far from the edge of the area.

The original delivery is poor but Zielinski’s second ball is brilliant and it falls to an unmarked Zalewski, who brings it down well, but his shot is too close to Verbruggen.

Zieliński hits it right at Verbruggen again on the follow-up.

55’ - Poland 1-1 Netherlands

15:14 , Chris Wilson

Poland make a double change as Romanczuk and Urbanski come off for Bartosz Slisz and Karol Świderski.

53’ - Poland 1-1 Netherlands

15:13 , Chris Wilson

Van Dijk concedes the free-kick despite the challenge looking clean, and Poland attack but the cross is cleared.

The Netherlands counter immediately, with Depay holding it up before it’s played to the onrushing Gkpo. He carries towards goal before releasing it right to Simons, but the pass just lacked a little conviction and the defender does enough to put off Simons, who slices his shot wide.

51’ - Poland 1-1 Netherlands

15:10 , Chris Wilson

Robert Lewandowski is looking anxious on the bench as the Netherlands continue to dominate possession. Poland look like they’re preparing several substitutions.

Simons and Moder are both down after a late challenge from the Dutchman.

48’ - Poland 1-1 Netherlands

15:06 , Chris Wilson

Simons makes a clever diagonal run into the box and tries an equally clever flick to continue the attack, but it comes to nothing.

Moments later, Kiwior does well to close down and block the shot from Reijnders, before Depay fires wide from range.

47’ - Poland 1-1 Netherlands

15:04 , Chris Wilson

A half chance for the Dutch almost straight away, but Dumfries can’t direct his header across goal to a teammate or towards goal.

46’ - Poland 1-1 Netherlands

15:03 , Chris Wilson

KICK-OFF! We’re back underway in Hamburg.

Poland have brought on Jakub Moder for Szymański.

HALF-TIME - Poland 1-1 Netherlands

15:00 , Chris Wilson

A good half from the Netherlands, and yet they find themselves going in level at half-time. They’ve played some great stuff in attack, but have lacked the finishing touch on too many occasions.

Poland have also put in an impressive performance in many respects, with a vital early goal no doubt helping their confidence. They lacked a bit of threat in the second part of the half though.

Can Ronald Koeman’s side earn the ideal start in one of the competition’s toughest groups?

HALF-TIME - Poland 1-1 Netherlands

14:53 , Chris Wilson

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HALF-TIME - Poland 1-1 Netherlands

14:48 , Chris Wilson

CLOSE! Brilliant play from Ake to end the half. He hits a lovely diagonal towards Depay, who’s running into the box. He brings it down well with his chest and tries to poke it into the far corner, but it bobbles past the post!

The referee blows for half-time right after.

45’ - Poland 1-1 Netherlands

14:46 , Chris Wilson

The Netherlands look to find Gakpo again with a long diagonal, and it ends with a throw. Ake squares it to Reijnders near the edge of the box, and he goes for the speculative effort, but it’s wild.

There’ll be just one minute of added time.

41’ - Poland 1-1 Netherlands

14:44 , Chris Wilson

CLOSE! As expected, it’s Reijnders, Simons and Gakpo at the centre of most of the Dutch attacking play.

This time, the latter two feature as Simons threads a pass through to the overlapping Ake, who cuts it back to Gakpo in the centre of the area. He goes for the first-time finish with the outside of the boot, but it flies over the bar.

40’ - Poland 1-1 Netherlands

14:42 , Chris Wilson

Now it’s Poland with the patient build-up, but they’re lacking that probing pass.

Conversely, the Dutch are trying to make something happen almost every time they get the ball, though they’re being stifled by Poland’s defensive set-up.

Gakpo wins yet another foul on the left as he tried to dribble past.

37’ - Poland 1-1 Netherlands

14:38 , Chris Wilson

Patient build-up from the Dutch ends with Schouten slipping it through to Dumfries in the box, but the cross is cut out.

35’ - Poland 1-1 Netherlands

14:36 , Chris Wilson

Neat build-up from Poland and Kiwior is at the centre of much of it, with the Arsenal man drifting inside and playing quite advanced in the opening stages.

The Netherlands win the ball from a free-kick as Gakpo is dragged back near halfway.

31’ - Poland 1-1 Netherlands

14:34 , Chris Wilson

Poland threaten once more and it drops to Kiwior in the box. His shot is low and on target, but Verbruggen saves well.

GOAL! 28’ - Poland 1-1 Netherlands

14:30 , Karl Matchett

Back on level terms! Cody Gakpo has been the one to watch in these opening stages and he’s got the goal he deserves - albeit via a big deflection in the end.

He cuts in off the left, sees the gap open and as he shoots three defenders slide in front - it deflects off one, possibly Salamon, and flies in past Szczesny for the equaliser just before the half-hour mark.

26’ - Poland 1-0 Netherlands

14:27 , Karl Matchett

Gakpo scythes through two tackles and frees Reijnders, who bursts into the box and tries to square to give Depay a tap-in - Syzmanski it is who makes a huge recovery slide to intercept that ball and ensure Poland survive again.

The Oranje keep pushing but haven’t found a way through yet, or at least haven’t found the right final pass or shot. They’ve certainly been in good positions enough times.

Dumfries now nods just wide after another Gakpo run down the left.

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