Euro 2024: Denmark move into knockouts with draw against Serbia

Denmark moved into the knockout stage of Euro 2024 with a 0-0 draw against Serbia in Munich on Tuesday.

It is Denmark's third draw of the tournament.

Serbia finished at the bottom of Group C with just two points. Hence, they exited from the tournament.

Christian Eriksen made a record 133rd appearance for Denmark. He was instrumental in midfield but the Danes couldn't convert their dominance into goals. Denmark grabbed more chances but couldn't find the back of the net.

They finished second in the group, tied on points, goal difference, goals scored, and disciplinary record with Slovenia, but ranked higher due to a superior qualifying record.

Serbia's stout defence kept Denmark at bay, although they couldn't create significant opportunities for veteran striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, who had several unsuccessful penalty appeals. Despite needing a win to advance, Serbia managed only five attempts on goal, compared to Denmark's ten.

Both teams had disallowed goals in the match. Denmark's goal was ruled out because the ball had gone out of play from a corner, while Serbia's Luka Jovic saw his effort chalked off for offside. Eriksen's first-half shot, saved comfortably by Predrag Rajkovic, was one of Denmark's better opportunities. Rasmus Hojlund also missed a prime chance, slipping when he seemed poised to score.

Serbia's manager, Dragan Stojkovic, introduced Dusan Tadic and Luka Jovic at half-time in an attempt to break the deadlock. Jovic did find the net early in the second half, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Serbia's best chances came late in the game, with Mitrovic and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic failing to capitalise on their opportunities.

Denmark will face hosts Germany in the last-16 in Dortmund on Saturday. Reflecting on the game, Eriksen stated, "We knew a draw was enough, but we aimed to win. Now, we focus on Germany."

Serbia's Mitrovic lamented, "We gave it our all but couldn't find that crucial goal."