STUTTGART: Denmark’s recent habit of superb attacking and suspect defending came back to haunt them in their Group C Euro 2024 opener against Slovenia.

Once again they threw away a lead to end up with a 1-1 draw in a game they should have won.

Christian Eriksen, man of the match back on the Euro stage where he suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch three years ago, not only excelled as playmaker but struck the opening goal and creating virtually everything of note for Denmark.

Coach Kasper Hjulmand said: “Of course, there has to be energy all the time, but that’s what happens in football games, sometimes it changes but I think the lack of the second goal also has an influence. Eriksen played a fantastic game for us today. He has something very special.”

Eriksen said: “I felt confident going into the game and I was just happy to be playing. Playing in the Euros is always special. I had in mind that I’ve never scored at a Euros, but there was nothing but football on my mind. I was just happy to help the team with my goal.”

Unfortunately for Eriksen it was not enough as Slovenia snatched a point with a 77th-minute strike from Erik Janza.

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