Finland vs Denmark
The importance of this Euro 2024 qualifying tie in Helsinki on Sunday teatime simply cannot be underestimated.
These Nordic counterparts occupy the top two positions in Group H, and both are desperate to secure a place on Europe’s grandest stage of all next summer.
They also know the importance of Euro 2024 highlights because it’s so close in their pool and any slip-up could be pounced upon.
Talking Points
Both nations tasted victory on Thursday night.
Denmark, as you’d expect, were too strong for the minnows of San Marino, and the contest was over by the break as they opened up a three goal lead from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Joakim Maehle, and Jonas Wind.
Yussuf Poulsen completed the rout in stoppage time as the Danes eventually ran out 4-0 winners.
It was a lot closer for the Finns in Kazakhstan, but Oliver Antman’s goal 12 minutes from time secured the points to keep them out in front at the top of the group.
That could prove a crucial goal too with Finland now three points above Thursday’s opponents and, if they see off the Danes (who they are currently two points above), they will be more than hopeful of securing a place at the European Championships for the second successive time and what would be only the second time in their history.
Indeed, if Finland win, Denmark may face an uphill task to qualify for the tournament.
Remember, this is a nation which actually bowed out of the World Cup at the group stages last winter.
They may have been unfortunate to lose to eventual finalists France late on in the group stages, thanks to someone I consider the best player in the world.
But failure to beat Tunisia or Australia did for the Scandinavians who need to up their game or risk missing out on the championships altogether.
The European Champions of 1992 – and that was truly wonderful – were semi-finalists at Euro 2020 (delayed and played two years ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic) and only went out because of a very harsh decision that went against them in the semi-finals.
It would certainly be a surprise if they failed to qualify after being present at all bar two such tournaments over the past four decades.
Yet Slovenia and Kazakhstan are hot on their heels.
The two nations actually met in the group stages at the most recent European Championships just over two years ago, although that result was secondary in a match overshadowed by a collapse which thankfully did not turn out to be a tragedy.
Now they have been paired together again with two nations from the group of six – which also includes Northern Ireland and San Marino – automatically qualifying for the continental footballing jamboree in Germany.
Who can take a step closer this weekend?
History
When they met in March, it was closely contested before two goals in the final eight minutes from new Manchester United man Rasmus Hojlund saw him score a hat-trick in a 3-1 win. Antman replied for Finland.
Despite their close proximity, Denmark and Finland have met just six times this century and, until six months ago, the countries had not competed in qualifying for a major international tournament since the build-up to the 1988 Euros, when the Danes won both matches by the same 1-0 scoreline.
Overall, Denmark have had a distinct advantage in this fixture with 39 wins compared to 12 Finland victories and nine draws.
A number of their meetings traditionally have come in the Nordic Championships, and the vast majority have been friendlies, including the very first game in 1925 which ended 3-3 in Aarhus.
The stats from that day show us Denmark took an early lead through Thorvald Schultz before a double from Verner Eklof and one from Aulis Koponen fired Finland into a 3-1 interval advantage.
Yet two goals in the second half from Pauli Jorgensen ensured the spoils were shared.
At the time of writing, the SBOTOP Euro 2024 betting odds for this match have yet to be announced.
But keep an eye on our site for there will be some tempting odds and an array of bets for such an important qualifier.
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