The eagerly anticipated friendly clash between Denmark and Sweden is set to take place at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen on June 5, 2024.
This match promises to be an exciting encounter between two Scandinavian rivals, with Denmark fine-tuning their preparations for Euro 2024, while Sweden looks to rebuild under new management.
Match Preview
Denmark's Road to Euro 2024
Denmark secured their spot in Euro 2024 after a challenging qualifying campaign, where they finished first in Group H. Despite having an inferior goal difference compared to Slovenia, Denmark topped the group due to their head-to-head record.
The Danes are set to face tough competition in Group C at the Euros, including Serbia and England, the latter of whom they have unfinished business with after a heartbreaking loss in the Euro 2020 semi-finals.
Denmark's defensive prowess has been on full display in 2024, with clean sheets against Switzerland and the Faroe Islands.
Remarkably, they haven't conceded a goal in a home friendly since June 2017. This solid defensive record will be a crucial factor in their upcoming matches.
Sweden's Rebuilding Phase
Sweden, on the other hand, will not be participating in Euro 2024 following a disappointing qualifying campaign.
They finished with just 10 points from 24, leading to the departure of long-serving manager Janne Andersson.
Former Blackburn Rovers head coach Jon Dahl Tomasson has taken over the reins, becoming the first non-Swede to manage the national team.
His tenure started with a heavy 5-2 defeat to Portugal but showed promise with a 1-0 victory over Albania.
Head-to-Head Record
Historically, Sweden holds a slight edge over Denmark with 46 wins to Denmark's 41 in their previous 107 encounters.
However, Denmark emerged victorious in their last meeting in November 2020 with a 2-0 win.
Team News
Denmark
Denmark will be bolstered by the presence of key players like Christian Eriksen and rising star Rasmus Hojlund.
Notably, goalkeeper Mads Hermansen, the only uncapped player in the squad, will also be in the mix.
However, the squad will miss the services of Celtic's Matt O'Riley and others like Philip Billing, Jesper Lindstrom, and Martin Braithwaite.
Predicted Lineup: Schmeichel; Andersen, Kjaer, Christensen; Maehle, Hojbjerg, Eriksen, Kristiansen; Skov Olsen, Hojlund, Damsgaard
Sweden
Sweden faces significant challenges with key absences, including Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres due to a knee operation.
Nevertheless, the team will rely on the attacking prowess of Alexander Isak, supported by Anthony Elanga and Dejan Kulusevski.
Predicted Lineup: Olsen; Krafth, Starfelt, Lindelof, Augustinsson; Cajuste, Olsson; Kulusevski, Forsberg, Elanga; Isak
Prediction
While Sweden boasts individual talent, their overall performance in recent competitions has been underwhelming.
Denmark, with their formidable home record and solid defensive lineup, is expected to edge out their Nordic neighbours.