Denmark will push for win against Serbia – Hjulmand

BBC
BBC
Serbia manager, Kasper Hjulmand

Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand insists his side will play to win against Serbia regardless of what happens to Group C rivals England and Slovenia.

With two points from their opening two matches, Denmark would go through to the last 16 of Euro 2024 with victory in Munich – but they could also still advance with a draw.

All four teams in the group, led by England on four points, still have a chance to progress.

Slovenia take on Gareth Southgate’s side, with that and Denmark’s tussle with Serbia both kicking off at 20:00 BST on Tuesday.

“We plan this game in the same way we plan every game – we always want to win,” said Hjulmand.

“We miss being in the locker room singing about winning. We know a draw might be enough but a lot of different things can happen.

Serbia players
Serbia players

“No matter what, we play the game wanting to win. We can be under pressure but we will always look for opportunities to score. We strongly believe we can win.”

There will be a return to the Allianz Arena for Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, 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 made my debut here and learned a lot,” said 28-year-old Hojbjerg.

“I got to know a lot of great people and had a great time here. The stadium is outstanding. I’m just looking back at the time I had with a smile on my face.”

‘I have a lot of respect for Danish football’

Hojbjerg will also be reacquainted with former Southampton team-mate Dusan Tadic, Serbia’s captain, who started their 1-1 draw with Slovenia on Thursday.

“We spent a lot of time together. I saw him as a big brother. He was my teacher if you like. He took care of me, not only on the pitch,” said Hojbjerg.

“I’m not surprised that he’s done well. He’s a player who loves assisting so we have to be careful about that. I respect Dusan a lot.”

Serbia boss Dragan Stojkovic hopes his side, with one point so far, can start with more intensity after disappointing first-half performances against England and Slovenia.

“It is one of the issues we are working on and want to improve. We spend a lot of time talking about that, training on it and having meetings,” Stojkovic said.

“We don’t want to give the advantage to the opponent in that first 45 minutes. We want to grasp the game and get full control of the ball.

“I have a lot of respect for Danish football. From the physical aspect, it will be a really good challenge. Technically they have really players.

“But I strongly believe my players will be ready to have a good game and I really hope everyone enjoys the football from both sides.”

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