UEFA Nations League: Denmark Eye Two in a Row Against Serbia

Denmark vs Serbia

The Red and Whites have picked up their first win in the UEFA Nations League (League A-Group 4) and will look to solidify their lead at the top as they take on Serbia on Monday.

However, Denmark’s win over Switzerland almost did not arrive had it not been for the Swiss side losing two players in the process. In the 52^nd minute, Nico Elvedi was given the marching orders for a foul on forward Kasper Dolberg, which the Danes initially thought that a penalty should be awarded as a result.

But a VAR review ruled otherwise, and a free kick just outside the box was given instead.

The match looked like it would be heading to a stalemate when caretaker manager Lars Knudsen made the substitute that eventually won them the match.

Andreas Skov Olsen and Patrick Dorgu came on in the 81^st minute, the latter making his debut for the squad. Fourty-four seconds later, Olsen assisted Dorgu as Denmark took the lead.

Any hope of a comeback for Switzerland was squashed when Granit Xhaka was sent off in the 87^th minute, following a second yellow card. Down to nine men, Denmark sealed the win in the second minute of added time courtesy of a Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg goal.

Meanwhile, Serbia were involved in a goalless draw against Spain, as the defending Euro champions failed to breakthrough against a solid Serbian defence.

There will still be plenty of SBOTOP Nations League action in the coming days before the international break ends next week, so make sure that you’re not missing out.

Talking Points

The interim to the interim coach gets a first win

Kasper Hjulmand—Denmark’s coach for the last four years—resigned his post after the Red and Whites exited the Euro 2024 following a 2-0 defeat to hosts Germany.

Although they made it through the last 16 before bowing out, Denmark failed to register a single win at the tournament.

Because of his resignation, the Danish Football Union appointed Augsburg assistant Morten Wieghorst as the interim manager for the time being. But Wieghorst will have to wait a little longer before he takes the reins, as he is currently on a sick leave because of ‘minor stress symptoms.’

Because of this, Knudsen will oversee Denmark’s proceedings for a couple games. And as things stand, it’s been quite alright so far.

The subs he made in the end spelled the difference between victory, or a draw that would leave a bitter taste in their mouths.

Serbia frustrates Spain to a draw

The reigning European champions entered this one on the back of a nine-match winning run. Little did they know that their streak would end in the hands of Dragan Stojkovic’s Serbia.

The Eagles, heavy underdogs against Spain in the Nations League 2024 odds, held their own in a 0-0 result at the Red Star Stadium.

La Roja had 21 shots and 74 per cent of the possession, but were unable to find a breakthrough in the end. Ayoze Perez, Dani Carvajal, Alex Grimaldo and Lamine Yamal all had chances to put Spain ahead, but to no avail, as Serbia keeper Predrag Rajkovic was solid in goal.

The match was also an ill-tempered one, with eight yellow cards and a total of 23 fouls handed out by the referee.

History

The Red and Whites and the Eagles have only recently faced each other, despite both teams being long-standing squads in Europe—the Danish national team were founded in 1889, the latter in 1919.

All in all, they have met four times, with Denmark winning three times and the other one ending in a draw. Their first meeting was in 2014 during that year’s European championships, whilst their last match was at this year’s European championships as well, which ended in a draw.

Betting Tip

According to Nations League updates, Denmark are picked by the odds to take this one, despite needing Switzerland to be handicapped in order to get the win.

The odds give Serbia a slight chance of winning (4.27), whilst a draw is priced at 3.27. If you’re feeling lucky, correctly predicting a 0-0 draw is at 8.60. And seeing how things played out with both teams in their last matches, it may very well be a plausible outcome.

Although it is likely that Denmark will be the more aggressive side in this one, as Serbia will be content with letting the game come to them.

 

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