In a dramatic clash at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Luka Jović’s last-gasp header secured a 1-1 draw for Serbia against Slovenia, keeping their UEFA Euro 2024 knockout stage ambitions intact. Both teams were desperate for a win to boost their chances of advancing to the Round of 16. Slovenia, having drawn their first match, started on the front foot. Adam Gnezda Čerin forced an early save from Predrag Rajković, exposing some early defensive frailties in the Serbian backline.
Serbia’s best opportunity in the first half came near the 30-minute mark when Dušan Vlahović’s diving header was expertly denied by Slovenian keeper Jan Oblak. Slovenia nearly took the lead before halftime when Timi Max Elšnik’s shot hit the post, and Benjamin Šeško missed the follow-up. Despite a late Serbian surge, including Aleksandar Mitrović’s attempt smothered by Oblak, the first half ended scoreless.
The breakthrough came in the 68th minute as Žan Karničnik’s powerful run and assist allowed Timi Max Elšnik to score from close range, putting Slovenia ahead. Serbia almost equalized instantly when Mitrović’s header rattled the crossbar. With the match heading into stoppage time and Serbia looking set for defeat, Jović’s header from Ivan Ilić’s corner snatched a vital point. Serbia now faces Denmark with renewed hope, while Slovenia, with two points, prepare to face England.
England 1-1 Denmark: Three Lions Stumble as Denmark Earn Crucial Point
In Frankfurt, England missed their chance to secure early passage to the Euro 2024 knockout stages, settling for a 1-1 draw against a resilient Denmark. England started brightly, and within 18 minutes, Harry Kane opened the scoring following Kyle Walker’s tenacious play on the wing. Kane’s finish made him one of only three England players to score in four major tournaments.
Denmark, unfazed, found an equalizer in the 34th minute through Morten Hjulmand, whose powerful strike from outside the box left Jordan Pickford with no chance as it cannoned in off the post. The goal jolted England, who responded in the second half with several chances. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s precise long pass set up Bukayo Saka, who narrowly missed the target. Phil Foden struck the post with a fierce shot, and substitute Ollie Watkins forced a save from Kasper Schmeichel.
Denmark posed their own threats, with Pierre-Emile Højbjerg testing Pickford twice from distance. Ultimately, England had to settle for a point, which keeps them atop their group ahead of their final match against Slovenia. Denmark, now on two points, remain in contention and will look to secure progression against Serbia.
Spain 1-0 Italy: La Roja Advance to Knockout Stages with Hard-Fought Win
Spain secured their place in the Euro 2024 knockout stages with a 1-0 victory over Italy, their 11th encounter at a major tournament, setting a record between European nations. Meeting for the fifth consecutive European Championship, both teams sought to build on opening game wins. Spain dominated early, with Gianluigi Donnarumma making remarkable saves to deny Pedri and Nico Williams.
Spain’s pressure paid off in the 55th minute when an unfortunate own goal by Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori gave La Roja a deserved lead. The young Spanish trio of Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Williams continued to torment the Italian defense, with Williams nearly scoring a spectacular goal that hit the woodwork.
Italy struggled to create significant chances, only managing to test the Spanish defense late in the game. Spain’s control and fluid passing ensured their victory, allowing them to look forward to their final group match against Albania with confidence. Italy, now facing a crucial game against Croatia, will need to improve significantly to avoid early elimination.
