Prediction: Denmark vs Switzerland

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 11/5

Bookmaker: 888sport

Following their successful qualification for the knockout phase of Euro 2024, Denmark and Switzerland will now shift their focus to the UEFA Nations League as they begin their League A Group 4 campaign on Thursday against each other.

Both teams will be eager to build on their momentum and make a strong start to the tournament in Copenhagen.

Denmark

After a frustrating summer at Euro 2024, Denmark will look to secure their first win in five matches when they return to Parken Stadion on Thursday evening. The Danes endured a tough group stage, managing only two goals and no victories in Group C, although Morten Hjulmand’s stunning strike against England stood out as one of the tournament’s best moments.

Despite their struggles, Denmark squeaked through to the knockout phase, only to face more misfortune in their last-16 clash with hosts Germany. A storm disrupted the match, and center-back Joachim Andersen experienced a sequence of unfortunate events that contributed to Denmark’s elimination. After having a goal disallowed for offside, Andersen then conceded a penalty for handball, which led to a 2-0 defeat.

Following the loss, head coach Kasper Hjulmand resigned, bringing an end to his tenure that included leading Denmark to the Euro 2020 semi-finals and guiding them through World Cup 2022 qualification, although the Danes ultimately finished bottom of their group in Qatar. Hjulmand also oversaw two memorable Nations League victories over France, as Denmark narrowly missed out on reaching the finals, finishing just one point behind Croatia in League A Group 1.

Hjulmand’s departure leaves a significant void, as he posted an impressive record of 33 wins from 55 matches—effectively a 60% win rate. With a caretaker coaching team in charge, Denmark will now aim to start their Nations League campaign on a positive note, hosting both Switzerland and Serbia during this international break.

Team News

Denmark’s preparations for the Nations League campaign have been disrupted by injuries and changes in their coaching staff. Midfielder Matt O’Riley, who recently joined Brighton and Hove Albion from Celtic in a £25m move, has been ruled out after undergoing ankle surgery. O’Riley’s withdrawal led to Maurits Kjaergaard being called up as a replacement, but after Kjaergaard also pulled out, Brentford’s Mathias Jensen was added to the squad by interim coach Lars Knudsen.

Knudsen himself was only recently appointed after stand-in boss Morten Wieghorst went on sick leave. He will rely on the experience of seasoned international players, including centurions Kasper Schmeichel and Christian Eriksen. However, Denmark will be without Barcelona defender Andreas Christensen and Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund.

Switzerland

Switzerland will enter the Nations League with ambitions of progressing to the final tournament next June, but they face a tough challenge in a group that includes reigning Nations League champions Spain, fresh from their triumphant European Championship campaign. To keep pace with such formidable opposition, the Swiss cannot afford any missteps as they kick off their campaign against Denmark.

Despite being eliminated in the quarterfinals of Euro 2024, Switzerland left the tournament with some memorable moments, including their impressive 2-0 victory over holders Italy in the group stage. They also maintained an eight-game unbeaten run across all competitions, which included wins over Hungary and draws with Scotland and Germany. Although penalties led to their eventual exit at the hands of England, the Rossocrociati have only suffered one defeat (excluding shootouts) since the 2022 World Cup.

Under the leadership of Murat Yakin, Switzerland produced a mixed performance in the previous Nations League, securing three wins and three losses in a tough group that featured Spain, Portugal, and the Czech Republic. Their failure to reach the finals last time will serve as motivation, and their strong Euro 2024 showing should give them confidence for the challenges ahead.

Team News

Both veteran goalkeeper Yann Sommer and long-serving forward Xherdan Shaqiri have retired from international football after Euro 2024. Sommer’s absence opens the door for Gregor Kobel to take over as the new first-choice goalkeeper, while Shaqiri leaves behind a legacy of 32 international goals and 125 caps, many of which came on the biggest stages in world football. Fabian Schar, another seasoned player, has also stepped away from international duty to focus on his club career at Newcastle.

Aside from these departures, Switzerland’s squad remains largely unchanged, with familiar faces returning to continue their Nations League journey. Captain Granit Xhaka will lead the midfield, offering both experience and leadership. In defence, Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji remains a key figure, anchoring a backline that will be crucial as the Swiss aim to make a strong start in Copenhagen.

Conclusion

Switzerland may enter their Nations League opener as slight favorites, given their consistent performances and an experienced squad. However, Denmark, despite the uncertainty surrounding their managerial situation and the absence of key players, often find an extra gear when playing at the Parken Stadium. A share of the spoils appears likely.

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 11/5

Bookmaker: 888sport