Denmark Vs Serbia

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On Sunday, Denmark will return to Parken Stadium in Copenhagen for their second UEFA Nations League home match as they face Serbia in what promises to be a crucial fixture for both sides. After strong performances in their respective opening matches, Denmark and Serbia will be looking to build on their momentum in what is shaping up to be a much more competitive group than initially expected.

A New Era for Denmark

Denmark enters this Nations League campaign under new management, following the departure of Kasper Hjulmand after the team’s disappointing Euro 2024 campaign. Despite being a competitive force in the tournament, the Danes exited in the Round of 16 after a 1-0 defeat to Germany, the tournament hosts. That loss came in frustrating circumstances, as Denmark had a goal disallowed and later conceded a controversial penalty within a five-minute span, which ultimately sealed their fate.

Hjulmand, who had overseen Denmark’s impressive run to the semifinals of Euro 2020, parted ways with the national team after a winless group stage at Euro 2024. Despite managing to draw all three of their group matches, including a 0-0 stalemate against Serbia, it wasn’t enough to carry them through. Denmark’s failure to register a single win in the tournament marked the end of Hjulmand's tenure.

For now, Lars Knudsen is serving as the team’s caretaker manager, and his early work has been well-received. Knudsen’s first match in charge was a success, as Denmark secured a 2-0 victory over Switzerland, a Euro 2024 quarter-finalist, on Thursday night. The win was a significant boost for Denmark, who are aiming to continue their strong record in the Nations League. This is their third consecutive appearance in League A, and with the recent expansion of the tournament format, a top-two finish would see them progress to the quarter-finals.

The Denmark squad under Knudsen seems revitalized after their summer disappointment. Their win over Switzerland wasn’t just a matter of getting three points; it was also a confidence-building performance for a team still adapting to new leadership. Denmark controlled much of the game and looked sharp both in defense and attack. The victory has allowed them to set the tone for their Nations League campaign, and they’ll now look to carry that momentum into Sunday’s clash against Serbia.

Serbia: Looking for Consistency

While Denmark enjoyed a strong start to the Nations League, Serbia’s journey is more complex. The Serbian national team had a frustrating summer, crashing out in the group stage of Euro 2024 with only two points to show for their efforts. Despite the underwhelming campaign, the Serbian Football Association opted to stick with head coach Dragan Stojkovic, hoping that the experienced manager can turn things around in this new competition.

Stojkovic made a bold decision in their opening Nations League fixture against Spain, fielding a much-changed squad. The gamble paid off, as Serbia managed to secure a 0-0 draw against the reigning European and Nations League champions. It was a disciplined and well-organized performance, and while Serbia did not create many clear-cut chances, their defensive solidity was enough to frustrate the Spanish attack.

Serbia’s ability to hold Spain to a draw has certainly given them a boost of confidence, but Stojkovic knows there is still much work to be done. Serbia’s form over the past year has been inconsistent, with only two wins in their last 10 matches. Their struggles at Euro 2024 were indicative of deeper issues within the team, and their shaky performances in qualifying suggest that Serbia is still searching for the right balance.

Despite these challenges, Serbia has historically performed well in the Nations League. Under Stojkovic’s management, they won promotion to League A for the first time in 2022 after a strong campaign in League B. In that campaign, Serbia lost their opening match to Norway but bounced back to collect 13 points from their next five matches, ultimately securing promotion at Norway’s expense.

This season, Serbia finds themselves in a tough group alongside Denmark, Spain, and Switzerland. While they showed resilience against Spain, the reality is that they are widely seen as favorites for relegation back to League B. The Serbian squad is undergoing something of a transition, with younger players being integrated into the team, and it remains to be seen whether they can consistently perform at this level.

A Competitive Group

Denmark and Serbia both knew that securing points on matchday one would be crucial, given the strength of the other teams in their group. With Spain and Switzerland also in the mix, it is one of the most competitive sections in this season’s Nations League. Both Denmark and Serbia managed to avoid defeat in their opening matches, setting the stage for an intriguing battle on Sunday.

Denmark’s win over Switzerland has put them in a strong position, as they now sit at the top of the group. A win against Serbia would allow them to maintain at least a two-point cushion at the summit, and with their confidence high after the managerial change, they will fancy their chances of doing just that.

Serbia, on the other hand, will be looking to build on their result against Spain. While they may be seen as the underdogs in this group, their performance against the European champions suggests they can compete at this level. A win against Denmark would be a massive boost for Stojkovic’s side, not just in terms of points but also in restoring belief after a difficult summer.

Key Players to Watch

For Denmark, one player who will be crucial in their quest for victory is Patrick Dorgu. The young forward scored Denmark’s second goal in their 2-0 win over Switzerland and has emerged as one of the team’s most exciting attacking talents. His pace, skill, and finishing ability make him a constant threat in the final third, and Serbia will need to be wary of his influence on Sunday.

In midfield, Christian Eriksen remains a vital cog in Denmark’s machine. The experienced playmaker may not be the force he once was, but his vision, passing range, and ability to control the tempo of the game are still crucial to Denmark’s success. Eriksen’s leadership will also be important as Denmark navigates this period of transition under Knudsen’s temporary stewardship.

For Serbia, Nikola Milenkovic will be a key figure in defense. The Fiorentina center-back was instrumental in Serbia’s clean sheet against Spain, and his ability to marshal the backline will be vital if Serbia is to keep Denmark at bay. Milenkovic is strong in the air, good with the ball at his feet, and reads the game well, making him a tough opponent for Denmark’s forwards.

In attack, Serbia will rely on Dusan Vlahovic to provide the cutting edge. The Juventus striker is one of Europe’s most highly-rated young forwards, and while he didn’t get many opportunities against Spain, he remains Serbia’s most potent goal threat. Vlahovic’s ability to hold up play, bring others into the game, and find the back of the net will be crucial if Serbia is to break down Denmark’s defense.

Tactical Approaches

Denmark’s approach under Knudsen appears to be a continuation of the solid, organized style that served them well under Hjulmand. In their win over Switzerland, Denmark pressed high up the pitch, forced mistakes, and controlled possession for large stretches of the game. Their defense looked well-drilled, and they were clinical in taking their chances when they came.

Knudsen will likely adopt a similar approach against Serbia, aiming to dominate possession and press high when out of it. Denmark’s attacking midfielders will look to create opportunities for the likes of Dorgu and Jonas Wind, while Eriksen will be tasked with pulling the strings from deeper positions.

Serbia, on the other hand, will likely focus on defensive solidity once again. Stojkovic’s side was content to sit deep and absorb pressure against Spain, and a similar game plan could be in store for Sunday. Serbia will aim to frustrate Denmark, keep the game tight, and look to hit on the counter through Vlahovic and Filip Kostic.

Conclusion

Sunday’s clash between Denmark and Serbia at Parken Stadium promises to be a fascinating encounter between two sides with contrasting fortunes. Denmark, buoyed by their win over Switzerland and under the guidance of caretaker boss Lars Knudsen, will be confident of securing another victory. Serbia, meanwhile, will be looking to build on their draw with Spain and prove that they belong in League A. Both teams have everything to play for in what could be a pivotal match in this tightly contested Nations League group.