UEFA Nations League: Denmark Aim to End Their Rut Against the Swiss

Denmark vs Switzerland

Denmark will kick off their UEFA Nations League campaign against Switzerland on Thursday, and they will look to give their home fans something to cheer about at Parken Stadium.

Before this tournament, the Danes were frustrated in Euro 2024 since they never won a single game in the group stage, scoring just two goals, thus getting eliminated earlier than expected.

In stark contrast, the Rossocrociati have only lost once since the last World Cup. In Euro 2024, Switzerland went as far as the quarter-finals, losing on penalties to eventual finalists England.

Denmark and Switzerland are in one of the toughest groups in the tournament, as they’re bunched with Spain and Serbia in League A Group 4. Spain are expected to take the top spot, so this game feels like a battle for second.

Continue reading on below for the SBOTOP preview of this contest.

 

Talking Points

Denmark in a state of flux

Following their Round of 16 exit from the Euros, Denmark have changed their coach, and they will also miss certain key players in this international break.

Kasper Hjulmand has officially stepped down as national team manager, and Morten Wieghorst will take over in the meantime. However, Wieghorst is on sick leave, so Lars Knudsen will oversee Denmark’s matches against Switzerland and Serbia.

With an overall record of 33 victories from 55 games, including a semi-finals run in Euro 2020 and qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Kasper Hjulmand is going to be a tough act to follow for either Knudsen or Wieghorst.

Moreover, according to the UEFA Nations League 2024 updates, the Danes won’t have Andreas Christensen, Matt O’Riley, and Rasmus Hojlund due to injuries. Knudsen will heavily rely on the experience of veterans Kasper Schmeichel and Christian Eriksen, who combine for 239 caps.

Some of the team’s newcomers include Gustav Isaksen, Patrick Dorgu, and Morten Frendrup. These three youngsters are currently plying their trade in Serie A, and they will be eager to compete for minutes.

 

Switzerland wave goodbye to key veterans

After more than a decade as Switzerland’s No. 1 goalie, Yann Sommer officially announced his retirement from the national team. The Inter Milan star finishes his international football career as the eighth-most-capped player with 94 appearances.

As a result, Switzerland will likely appoint Gregor Kobel to start between the sticks, starting on Thursday.

Xherdan Shaqiri is also leaving the Rossocrociati with 32 goals in 125 appearances, while Newcastle United defender Fabian Schar has also pulled out in this week’s international break.

Otherwise, head coach Murat Yakin will essentially have the same core of players when they travel to Copenhagen, with Granit Xhaka serving as their skipper.

Manuel Akanji, Nico Elvedi, and Ricardo Rodriguez will likely make up for their backline, while Remo Freuler, Michel Aebischer, and Dan Ndoye join Xhaka in the middle of the park.

Ruben Vargas, Noah Okafor, and Breel Embolo will be the attacking trio for the Swiss to complete their 3-4-2-1 formation.

 

History

Denmark and Switzerland will meet for the 14^th time in all competitions this week. The Danes have the slight advantage in the overall head-to-heads with four wins, while the Rossocrociati have won twice and drawn seven times.

Denmark and Switzerland last met at Parken Stadium in March, where the spoils were shared in a goalless draw as part of the build-up to the Euros.

The Danes have yet to lose against the Rossocrociati since a 1-0 result during the 1986 World Cup qualifiers back in October 1984.

As far as the UEFA Nations League is concerned, Denmark never made it past the finals bracket, while Switzerland did so in 2019, when they finished fourth in the inaugural edition of the competition.

 

Betting Tip

The UEFA Nations League 2024 odds predict a tight contest between Denmark and Switzerland, despite their contrasting forms. Denmark were given the slight edge at 2.38, whereas Switzerland are not far behind at 2.87, and a draw is at 2.99 in the 1X2 market.

Playing at home could give the Danes a boost, and they can be the wild cards, but the Swiss should take this game because they have a more stable and stronger team on paper.

Other than our recommended bet above, don’t expect too many goals from these two teams, making options like Under 2.50 at 1.70, Total Goal 2-3 at 1.97, or even Total Goal 0-1 at 2.67 worth considering.

Furthermore, a Correct Score of 0-0 – the result of their most recent encounter – is on offer at 8.40.

   

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