Denmark vs. Switzerland: Nations League Preview - A Battle of European Heavyweights

After both reached the knockout phase of Euro 2024, Denmark and Switzerland will kick off their quests for UEFA Nations League glory on Thursday. The teams convene in Copenhagen, aiming to make a fast start to their League A Group 4 campaign.

Following a frustrating time at this summer's European Championship, Denmark will seek their first win in five matches on Thursday evening, as they return to Parken Stadion for the first time since their last-16 exit. The Danes did not win a game in the group stage, scoring just two of the seven goals in a sterile Group C, although Morten Hjulmand's superb strike against England will be remembered as one of the goals of the tournament. Having eked through the first phase, Denmark's knockout contest with hosts Germany was disrupted by a storm, after which the luckless Joachim Andersen was involved in events that saw his nation eliminated: first he had a goal ruled out for a marginal offside, moments later he handled the ball and conceded a penalty.

Following a 2-0 defeat, coach Kasper Hjulmand stood down, having previously led his country to the semi-finals of Euro 2020 and through qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they failed to register a win and finished bottom of their group. Hjulmand also oversaw two Nations League upsets against France, as Denmark finished second in League A Group 1 last time around - just one point shy of winners Croatia and a place in the finals. With an overall record of 33 wins from 55 matches - effectively a 60% win rate - he will be a hard act to follow; a caretaker coaching team leads the squad this week, during which the Danes host both Switzerland and Euro 2024 foes Serbia.

In a group also featuring reigning Nations League champions Spain - fresh from their sparkling Euros success - Switzerland cannot afford to slip up if they are to make it through to the final tournament next June. Though they ultimately exited the European Championship in the quarter-finals again, losing on penalties to eventual finalists England, the Rossocrociati will still have fond memories of swatting aside holders Italy in Dusseldorf. Having beaten Hungary and drawn with Scotland and Germany during the group stage, Switzerland had strung together an eight-game unbeaten streak across all competitions, and - penalties aside - they have lost just once since the last World Cup. With three wins and three losses from a tough section including Spain, Portugal and the Czech Republic, Murat Yakin's men failed to reach the most recent Nations League finals, though another strong showing in Germany will boost hopes that they can do so on this occasion. Yakin was not universally popular heading into the Euro 2024 campaign, but with his authority renewed and an experienced squad available, Switzerland can contend for a top-two spot in Group 4.

Having undergone ankle surgery after suffering a serious injury on his Brighton & Hove Albion debut - just days after completing a £25m move from Celtic - Matt O'Riley has been ruled out of Denmark's squad. Maurits Kjaergaard was then called up as replacement, but following his subsequent withdrawal, Brentford's Mathias Jensen has been added by interim coach Lars Knudsen. The latter was only appointed after stand-in boss Morten Wieghorst went on sick leave, and he will rely on the experience of international-cap centurions Kasper Schmeichel and Christian Eriksen. However, Barcelona's Andreas Christensen and Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund are both unavailable.

Meanwhile, Switzerland have waved goodbye to veteran goalkeeper Yann Sommer, who announced his national-team retirement after Euro 2024, so Gregor Kobel should start between the posts on Thursday evening. Long-serving forward Xherdan Shaqiri has also ended his time with the Rossocrociati after scoring 32 goals - including several at major finals - in 125 appearances; Newcastle United defender Fabian Schar is solely concentrating on club football too. Otherwise, it is a familiar squad that travels to Copenhagen, with captain Granit Xhaka leading the visitors' midfield and Manuel Akanji still the main man in defence.

Denmark's Quest for a New Era

Denmark are experiencing a turbulent time ahead of Thursday's match against Switzerland. The team will be coached by the replacement interim coach. Lars Knudsen, who has been the standard coach in the Bundesliga since last January, has suddenly become the first person to work on rebuilding the Danish selection. Kasper Hjulmand resigned after the European Championship and after four years as national coach. His successor was initially appointed on an interim basis. Morten Wieghorst was supposed to take over until the end of the year. But Hjulmand's long-time assistant had to pull out last week due to stress symptoms.

Peter Möller, the sports director of the Danish national team, explained that he immediately thought of Lars Knudsen when it came to finding a replacement at short notice. Current assistant Daniel Agger was not an alternative due to his lack of coaching diplomas. "Lars has been closely involved with the team over the last six months. He has talked to Morten Wieghorst and Daniel Agger about changes and new players," says Möller. Of the 23 players in the squad for the home Nations League games against Switzerland on Thursday and Serbia on Sunday, five are still without international experience. Two veterans, Simon Kjaer and Thomas Delaney, have retired this summer. One or the other will have to be replaced in the Danish team. However, there is no sense of hecticness. There is no need for appealing to good results under Hjulmand, who justified his resignation by saying that new impetus could be helpful.

Denmark have only missed four finals since 1998. Their last exploit came in 2020, when they reached the semi-finals of the European Championship. After that, the team led by playmaker Christian Eriksen was not quite able to repeat this performance. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar was particularly disappointing with a preliminary round exit despite being the secret favorites. At the European Championships in Germany, Denmark were knocked out in the round of 16 by the hosts. Their self-confidence is unbroken. They are a force at home in particular. In the last three years or so, only one of 17 games in Copenhagen has been lost. "Our goal must definitely be to win both games," says Knudsen. "We believe in ourselves and that we have a good foundation." They also have "some new things that we can hopefully bring in to give us new energy".

Switzerland's Steady Climb

Switzerland were unfortunate to bow out of the Euros at the quarter-final stage on penalties to England. Having not lost a game inside 90 minutes, the Swiss went toe to toe with the Three Lions after dismantling Italy in the round of 16. Switzerland prefers a 3-4-3 formation, which allows for more width. With wingers stretching the game, this creates room for their striker who can nick goals inside the box.

A Clash of Styles

Denmark and Switzerland should be expected to draw with a scoreline of 1-1. With Denmark only scoring two goals at the Euros across their four matches, and with no permanent head coach in charge for this fixture, it doesn’t look like they will be able to break down a tough, compact Swiss side. Switzerland held both England and Germany to 1-1 draws during the summer and have lost just one of their last 19 matches in 90 minutes. They are a nation on the rise a team that doesn’t concede too many. It’s worth mentioning Denmark are also without star striker Ramus Hojlund. The Manchester United striker is currently injured and won’t make the trip to Copenhagen. It’s time to back under on goals as these sides prepare to meet in the Danish capital.