Not all 1-1 draws are the same. On Thursday, Denmark showed a much better side against England than in their disappointing opening match against Slovenia. The mood around the Scandinavian representatives at Euro 2024 has thus improved, although they know they are not there yet.
"The English players were booed, while the red and whites basked in applause and love from the Danish fans. The team will be satisfied with this draw, knowing that England is considered one of the favorites," said public broadcaster DR. Winger Joakim Maehle doesn't entirely agree with this hypothesis.
"We are a bit disappointed; we could have won, although the overall play was satisfying." The wing-back's sentiments echoed those of his teammates.
The Danish newspapers largely agreed. "It was an encouraging performance by the Danes against one of the best teams in the world. The draw is a result that both teams could live with, which partly explains why there was very cautious attacking in the second half," observed Jyllands-Posten. "The arrow is pointing in the right direction now; Denmark was better than England."
However, the Danes are well aware that they are not there yet. In the final match against Serbia, a victory will be enough to reach the next round. A draw might suffice if Slovenia loses or if they end up among the best third-placed teams with three points. If Denmark loses, Kasper Hjulmand's team will likely be heading home. The stakes are high, and the team knows that they need to maintain their focus and performance levels to secure their place in the next stage of the tournament.
The pressure is palpable, but the mood in the Danish camp has improved significantly following their spirited display against England. This newfound confidence will be crucial as they prepare for the decisive clash against Serbia. The players and coaching staff are working diligently to iron out any tactical issues and ensure they are at their best for the upcoming match.
Despite the pressure, the Danish squad remains optimistic. The team's resilience and ability to bounce back from a disappointing opening match against Slovenia have been commendable. The support from the fans has also been a significant morale boost, creating a positive atmosphere around the team.
Should the worst happen and Denmark fail to advance, they will still have created a memorable moment for their fans and for viewers worldwide. In the mixed zone of the stadium in Frankfurt, Peter Schmeichel was doing his job as an analyst for American Fox Sports when a familiar face walked by his son Kasper, of course. Schmeichel Sr. momentarily set aside his critical notes and gave his son a big hug, a touching father-son moment that encapsulated the spirit of football and the deep bonds within the sport.
As Denmark heads into their final group match, all eyes will be on how they handle the pressure and whether they can secure the victory needed to progress. The team’s journey through Euro 2024 has already been filled with highs and lows, and the next game promises to be another thrilling chapter in their story.
