COPENHAGEN – Denmark and Albania became the latest two teams to qualify for next summer’s Euro 2024, with 13 of the 24 berths already booked for the Finals in Germany.
The 1992 champions clinched their ticket with a 2-1 win in their crunch Group H match against Slovenia on Nov 17, while Albania also qualified after drawing 1-1 in Moldova to ensure they would finish in the top two in Group E.
The two teams join Germany, Austria, Belgium, England, France, Portugal, Scotland, Spain, Turkey, Hungary and Slovakia in the June 14-July 14 tournament.
In Group H, both Denmark and Slovenia were able to qualify with a win in Copenhagen but the hosts claimed the spoils, with goals either side of the break by Joakim Maehle and Thomas Delaney.
The Slovenians scored through Erik Janza.
Danish coach Kasper Hjulmand said: “I’m satisfied with the whole team. I’m satisfied with everything. The boys looked each other in the eyes and said ‘Let’s show them!’
“I have never doubted the quality in the squad and the players. I have never doubted that this is a winning team.”
There had been criticisms during this qualifying campaign, notably when the Danes lost to Kazakhstan 3-2 in March, and managed only a 2-1 win over San Marino in October.
But Hjulmand insisted that his players had the right mentality to keep going.
“We have to make sure to keep that (criticism) out, and I think that we have been really good at shielding things out, so that we could do something about it, which we have been able to do,” he added.
Denmark had the better of the opening exchanges against Slovenia and were rewarded when Maehle slid in at the far post to tuck away an in-swinging cross on 26 minutes.
But the lead lasted only four minutes before Janza curled a left-footed free kick beyond Kasper Schmeichel.
A tight, tetchy affair was swung in Denmark’s favour nine minutes after half-time, when Delaney controlled and finished in the box after Jannik Vestergaard’s flick-on.
Earlier, Kazakhstan won 3-1 at home to San Marino to move to 18 points, one behind second-placed Slovenia and four behind Denmark.
In the same group, Finland kept themselves within a win of third place by beating Northern Ireland 4-0 in Helsinki.
In Group E, Albania clinched a place at Euro 2024 despite conceding a late equaliser as they drew 1-1 in Moldova.
Sokol Cikalleshi put the visitors ahead with a first-half penalty. Although Vladyslav Babohlo levelled with three minutes left, the point ensured Albania will finish in the top two in their group.
It will be the Albanian’s second appearance at a major tournament after their debut at Euro 2016. AFP, REUTERS
