Salford Red Devils profit from missed conversion from Hull FC’s Ben Reynolds late on to extend winning run to four matches; Marc Sneyd registers five goals on 300th Super League appearance as home side consolidate fifth spot in table – watch every Super League match live on Sky Sports
Last Updated: 07/07/24 5:59pm
Salford held off Hull FC to earn their fourth straight win and consolidate fifth place in the Super League table
Ryan Brierley made a try-scoring comeback and Marc Sneyd celebrated his 300th Super League appearance with five vital goals as Salford edged Hull FC 22-20 to register a fourth successive win.
Hull half-back Ben Reynolds missed a 78th-minute conversion to Lewis Martin’s try to send the game to golden point as the Red Devils cemented fifth place in the table.
Full-back Brierley had sat out his team’s three previous victories with a rib injury but returned with a bang against a Hull side still without an away win in 2024 and who sit second bottom of the standings.
Hull led 6-4 in the first half and scored four tries to their hosts’ three in the game but Reynolds failed to improve his team’s final two touchdowns.
A minute’s applause to remember Rob Burrow took place before Super League’s only fixture of the day and there was further recognition of the Leeds Rhinos’ legend on seven minutes as all fans united to sing: ‘There’s only one Rob Burrow.’
The on-field action was less inspiring until Salford made a 27th-minute breakthrough as Deon Cross touched down.
Reynolds scythed through the home defence to register his first try for the Black and Whites and then booted Hull in front but it was all square at half-time as Sneyd kicked a penalty after the hooter.
Marc Sneyd starred for Salford on his 300th Super League appearance
Tom Briscoe’s off-the-ball challenge on Brierley earned him a yellow card and his temporary absence and a game-ending injury for hooker Danny Houghton was a double blow for Simon Grix’s side.
When Briscoe returned Salford were 18-6 in front thanks to Sneyd’s converted tries for Brierley and centre Chris Hankinson.
Young Hull forward Denive Balmforth provided an instant response with his third try in as many games but when Salford were gifted a cheap penalty on the hour Sneyd took the points on offer to move the Red Devils two scores in front again.
Final-quarter tries for Jordan Lane and Martin kept Hull in contention right until Reynolds’ costly late miss.
What’s next?
Hull FC host city rivals Hull KR on Saturday July 13 (2.55pm, Sky Sports Arena), with Salford visiting Catalans Dragons later the same day (5.25pm, Sky Sports Arena).
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Scotland begin their Americas tour by inflicting a heavy 73-12 defeat on Canada; Scotland rested a host of key players and had to come back from an early deficit but did so in style, scoring 11 tries in the process
Last Updated: 07/07/24 9:44am
Arron Reed races away to score for Scotland
Scotland overwhelmed Canada, winning 73-12 at the start of their Americas tour.
The Scots, resting a host of their key players, fell behind initially but soon took charge and debutants Arron Reed and Gus Warr, two of five uncapped players in the Scottish line-up, scored two tries apiece.
Canada’s Lucas Rumball scored an early try but any prospect of an upset was snuffed out from the moment Josh Bayliss went over for the first of Scotland’s 11 tries at TD Place Stadium, Ross Thompson adding five conversions and Ben Healy four.
Canada’s Peter Nelson is tackled by scrum-half Gus Warr
Warr reinforced Scotland’s lead after the break, first dancing through the line and, while Canada briefly held out, the scrum-half collected the ball again and dived over the ruck for a debut try.
Kyle Baillie’s converted try gave Canada respite from the onslaught, but the impressive Paterson and Warr combined for the latter to shrug off a couple of challenges and touch down.
Scotland looked a threat every time they pushed forward and Reed grabbed his second of the match after barrelling down the left wing and barging past a couple of defenders before going over.
Scotland breached the 50-point barrier just after the hour mark when Paterson deservedly got on the scoreboard following some excellent interplay, while Dobie touched down underneath the posts after being teed up by Reed.
McDowall also went over underneath the posts following some deft footwork to evade several challenges, while Steyn gratefully accepted Healy’s offload to round off the scoring.
Ireland’s James Lowe had try ruled out, while South Africa’s Cheslin Kolbe saw try stand after critical reviews from TMO Ben Whitehouse; Springboks hold on to beat Ireland in Pretoria; Watch southern hemisphere summer tour action live on Sky Sports
By Michael Cantillon
Last Updated: 06/07/24 11:33pm
Highlights of South Africa’s action-packed win over Ireland in their opening Test in Pretoria
Highlights of South Africa’s action-packed win over Ireland in their opening Test in Pretoria
Two crucial TMO decisions fell South Africa’s way as they defeated Ireland 27-20 at Loftus Versfeld in the first of their two-Test series, live on Sky Sports.
Welsh TMO Ben Whitehouse ruled out a James Lowe try for Ireland due to a subjective breakdown call, and then fed back there was ‘inconclusive evidence’ to rule out a Cheslin Kolbe South Africa try, which ensured a two-score lead.
Lowe’s try would have levelled the contest at 13-13, and handed fly-half Jack Crowley a conversion for the lead, while Kolbe’s effort moments later came as a result of Lowe keeping a Handre Pollard penalty kick to touch in-field – though replays suggested he was in touch while playing the ball.
South Africa – Tries: Arendse (3), Kolbe (65), Penalty Try (78). Cons: Pollard (4, 67). Pens: Pollard (18, 29).
A third TMO call then also went against Ireland as No 8 Caelan Doris was denied a try due to lack of evidence on replays.
Conor Murray raced in for a second Ireland try with five minutes to go, but a late South Africa penalty try via a ferocious scrum drive confirmed victory, with Ryan Baird striking a third for Ireland but with time all but up.
Less than three minutes in, South Africa struck the opening try as skipper Siya Kolisi set fleet-footed wing Kurt-Lee Arendse away quickly, who then scorched into space and past debutant Jamie Osborne to touch down.
Kurt-Lee Arendse opened the scoring for the Springboks against Ireland
Kurt-Lee Arendse opened the scoring for the Springboks against Ireland
South Africa No 8 Kwagga Smith knocked on the restart into touch, handing Ireland a lineout attack in the 22. When awarded a penalty, the visitors turned down the chance to kick for points in favour of a five-metre tap attack, but it proved the wrong call and a big chance missed when lock Joe McCarthy knocked on a poor Peter O’Mahony pass by the try-line.
On 13 minutes, a strong Robbie Henshaw carry forced South Africa to infringe at the breakdown. This time, Crowley struck over from 40 metres to get Ireland onto the board.
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Highlights of New Zealand’s thrilling win over England in the opening Test in Dunedin.
Highlights of New Zealand’s thrilling win over England in the opening Test in Dunedin.
Damian McKenzie’s three second-half penalties thwarted England’s hopes of a first win away to New Zealand since 2003 as they went down 16-15 in the opening Test in Dunedin.
The All Blacks made their early dominance count with unconverted tries from Sevu Reece and Ardie Savea, with England responding through Maro Itoje forcing his way over from close range followed by Marcus Smith converting.
Fly-half Smith, who had missed an earlier penalty, brought England back level at 10-10 at the break with his boot and although he missed another after the restart, his pass led to Immanuel Feyi-Waboso finishing to put Steve Borthwick’s side ahead.
England: Tries – Maro Itoje, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso; Conversion – Marcus Smith; Penalty: – Marcus Smith.
McKenzie kicked two penalties to restore New Zealand’s lead, and they survived a late error after the shot clock expired while the No 10 was lining up a kick at goal to snatch a one-point victory.
Story of the game
New Zealand, playing their first game under new head coach Scott Robertson, showed their attacking intent as they probed down England’s wings in the opening minutes, but the strength of the visitors’ set-piece earned them the first penalty of the game.
Yet Smith was unable to knock over what was a relatively kickable attempt from 40 metres out and the early pressure from the hosts eventually told in the 16th minute. Utilising the penalty advantage, New Zealand fly-half McKenzie sent a pinpoint kick to the right wing which was collected by Reece followed by the winger racing away to finish.
New Zealand took an early lead against England through Sevu Reece grabbing Damian McKenzie’s kick to the corner
New Zealand took an early lead against England through Sevu Reece grabbing Damian McKenzie’s kick to the corner
England’s cause was not helped by losing Joe Marler, replaced by debutant prop Fin Baxter, but they edged in front five minutes later on the back of Itoje’s pick and go from close range for a converted try shortly after Chandler Cunningham-South, born in Sidcup but raised in New Zealand, was denied.
It was not long before the All Blacks were back in front, though, and, with England’s defence at sixes and sevens following miscommunication between Ben Earl and George Furbank, full-back Stephen Perofeta picked the pass which sent rampaging No 8 Savea through for a second try.
But it was all square at the break after New Zealand came unstuck trying to run the ball from inside their own half on the final play, conceding a penalty which this time Smith slotted over to draw the tourists level.
Marcus Smith missed a straightforward kick to give England the lead against New Zealand
Marcus Smith missed a straightforward kick to give England the lead against New Zealand
A knee injury suffered by TJ Perenara late in the first half forced a switch at scrum-half for the hosts too, with Finlay Christie replacing him, but they were given a let-off in the opening five minutes of the second half when Smith pulled another kickable penalty attempt wide.
The Harlequins No 10 played a key role in England taking the lead in the 47th minute, though, pulling the strings for Feyi-Waboso’s score. Tommy Freeman was initially tackled just short, with England then working the ball from right to left for Smith to pick out the Exeter Chiefs winger with a bullet pass to the wing.
Yet once again, Smith’s kicking let him down as he was unable to convert, and the lead was narrowed to two points in the 54th minute as opposite number McKenzie slotted over from a penalty for his first successful kick at goal in three attempts.
Smith sent Immanuel Feyi-Waboso free to go over in the corner and give England the lead
Smith sent Immanuel Feyi-Waboso free to go over in the corner and give England the lead
He landed a second 11 minutes later as England were pinged for a ruck infringement defending their 22, but then gifted the away side a chance with under two minutes to go as he took too long to take a kick at goal from a penalty which would have all but sealed victory.
Despite throwing caution to the wind, England were unable to fashion an opportunity for a score and when the referee blew for a ruck infringement against them with the clock in the red, it allowed the All Blacks to breathe a sigh of relief.
‘England so close to creating history’
Sky Sports rugby union expert and former England international Will Greenwood:
“You could tell it was New Zealand’s first time together. They’ve lost some key players through retirement and playing in Japan. Their lineout wobbles, they had to resort to kicking as they couldn’t get their attacking game going.
“On the flip side of that, I thought England at times were outstanding. Their defence kept them in the game for long periods and then they went after New Zealand in the second half.
“The frustrating thing about sport is you can’t go back and play the last 15 minutes again. The beauty is they get to have another crack at it next week.
“They were so close to creating some history today.”
Ahead of the first summer Test against New Zealand, England faced the iconic Haka!
Ahead of the first summer Test against New Zealand, England faced the iconic Haka!
Former New Zealand international Nick Evans, speaking on Sky Sports:
“Credit to the England defence, Felix [Jones, England defence coach] has done a brilliant job. Their line speed and post-tackle work especially caused New Zealand a lot of problems.
“The All Blacks stayed in the fight in the second half. The lineout capitulated but their scrum was excellent. They didn’t quite get the speed of ball they wanted but they ground out a victory, which is going to be really important leading into Eden Park next week.”
What they said
Jamie George hailed England’s attacking mentality after they came so close to defeating New Zealand in the opening Test.
Jamie George hailed England’s attacking mentality after they came so close to defeating New Zealand in the opening Test.
England captain Jamie George, speaking to Sky Sports:
“I’m incredibly proud of the way we went out and attacked the game. Not a lot of teams come to New Zealand and do that. That shows the huge amount of growth in this team.
“There are definitely some areas [for improvement] – the scrum was one, the breakdown probably another. We’ll do a lot of honest work next week and make sure we go to Eden Park fully prepared.
“We wanted to make people at home very proud. I think we did that with our effort. A game of very fine margins.”
Steve Borthwick described England’s opening Test against New Zealand as a real arm-wrestle in the middle of the field as the visitors fell to a close defeat.
Steve Borthwick described England’s opening Test against New Zealand as a real arm-wrestle in the middle of the field as the visitors fell to a close defeat.
New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson, speaking to Sky Sports:
“We got into a hell of an arm wrestle, which we know Steve Borthwick’s teams are really good at. We didn’t get our kick game right, pushed straight after half-time and the second half was just a grind – and we got there.
“I keep thinking of the things that went wrong when I should think of the things that went right, like the score. It’s their sixth game of the year, it’s our first and we’re in a pretty steep learning curve.”
What’s next?
England now head to Auckland for the second and final Test of the series against New Zealand at Eden Park on Saturday July 13. That match is live on Sky Sports Action from 7.30am BST (kick-off 8am).
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This summer on Sky Sports, watch England travel to take on the All Blacks in New Zealand, Wales face Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies in Australia and Ireland battle the World Cup-winning Springboks in South Africa in two-Test tours; Stream rugby in 2024 with a NOW Sports Month Membership
Last Updated: 22/06/24 4:38pm
Highlights from the summer international as South Africa eventually pulled away to beat Wales at Twickenham
Highlights from the summer international as South Africa eventually pulled away to beat Wales at Twickenham
South Africa picked up victory in their first Test match since October’s Rugby World Cup final, beating Wales 41-13 at Twickenham in the first weekend of the summer internationals.
The Springboks were on top for a large part of the first half, scoring early through a Jesse Kriel try and then a penalty try as Wales were reduced to 13 players with wing Rio Dyer (cynical offside) and No 8 Aaron Wainwright (maul collapse) sin-binned.
Wales dug in to keep the score at 14-3, however, and once Springbok full-back Aphelele Fassi was shown yellow for a high boot after claiming an aerial ball – an incident which was reviewed for a potential red card – Wales skipper Dewi Lake replied with a try.
Fly-half Sam Costelow kicked a further two penalties either side of that score to get Wales within a point, but a controversial try early into the second half through Makazole Mapimpi – the TMO failing to intervene despite a clear Kriel forward pass – put the Boks back in control.
Hooker Bongi Mbonami and wing Edwill van der Merwe then added further tries inside the final 11 minutes, after a period of some Welsh pressure which went without tries.
‘That’s a clear forward pass!’ | Mapimpi scores after TMO fails to intervene
‘That’s a clear forward pass!’ | Mapimpi scores after TMO fails to intervene
Bongi Mbonambi came on to score one of two late Springbok tries
What’s next?
Wales move on to Australia for a two-Test series against the Wallabies, live on Sky Sports. The first Test takes place on July 6 (10.45am kick-off) with the second Test on July 13 (10.45am kick-off).
South Africa host Ireland for a two-Test series, live on Sky Sports. The first Test takes place on July 6 (4pm kick-off) with the second Test on July 13 (4pm kick-off).
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Glasgow Warriors battled back from 13-0 down to beat the Bulls 21-16 in South Africa and win the United Rugby Championship for the first time since 2015; Stream rugby in 2024 with a NOW Sports Month Membership
Last Updated: 22/06/24 9:02pm
Glasgow Warriors players celebrate with the trophy after winning the United Rugby Championship final in South Africa
Glasgow Warriors landed the United Rugby Championship title for the first time since 2015 after a hard-fought 21-16 victory over the Bulls at a sold-out Loftus
Versfeld.
Having beaten the Stormers, the 2022 winners, and defending champions Munster to reach the Grand Final, the Warriors avoided a third loss in the showpiece with a fantastic performance in Pretoria.
A pair of Johan Goosen penalties separated the sides before Marco van Staden’s try, converted by Goosen, gave the Bulls – beaten by the Stormers in the 2022 final – a 13-0 lead.
Glasgow Warriors’ Scottish centre Huw Jones (R) celebrates with tighthead Zander Fagerson (R) after scoring a try against The Bulls (Pretoria)
Player of the match Matt Fagerson: “Words cannot describe how we’re feeling right now. It’s something we’ve been working towards all season and to do it in a place as historic as this in front of all these fans is, I can’t put it into words.
“I think in the last three or four games, we’ve really taken a liking to knock-out rugby in a sense of we’re not overplaying the ball and when you’ve got a kicker like George Horne, it makes things so much easier. We went the hard way but we wouldn’t change it for the world.”
Glasgow WarriorsHead coach Franco Smith: “The boys have played well, bought in. The half-time chat was easy. We knew we had a good plan for the second half. We let them in through our own errors, like last week. They stuck to the script.
“There’s a lot to be said about the hard edge of the European teams and we brought it tonight, especially in the last 10-15 minutes. We defended our line well and applied a lot of pressure to the maul. The boys fronted up to a very strong South African team with 50,000 people behind them. They can be very proud.
“This team shouldn’t be done after tonight. We’ve got the building blocks to go further still.”
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Matjaz Kek won just one cap for Slovenia as a player but during two spells as manager of the national team the former Maribor defender is having a far more significant presence.
Victory over Algeria at the 2010 World Cup is their only success at a major tournament and came under Kek, who embarked on his second stint in 2018 and has engineered the latest qualification.
Participation in Germany will mark only the fourth major international tournament for the former Yugoslav republic, who have been playing as an independent entity since 1992.
As well as Euro 2000, where they drew two games and lost the other in the group phase, Slovenia also qualified for the World Cup in 2002 and 2010 but have yet to go beyond the group stage.
This time round they will be hoping to make more of an impact in Group C where they meet qualifying rivals Denmark first in Stuttgart on June 16 and then Serbia and Euro 2020 runners-up England.
“We are a relatively young national team and the potential is huge,” Kek told the media. “There are quite a number of players who have come through the youth ranks and are already now senior regulars.
“Jaka Bijol has evolved into a fantastic player, [as has Adam] Gnezda Cerin. It makes you think that we won’t have to wait another 24 years or even 12 to 13 years to qualify for our next big competition.
“I’m convinced that Slovenia won’t be at [Euro 2024] to do sightseeing. We are not going there as tourists. We are going there to compete. I want the guys to be competitive and they will take that attitude. Why should we not think about progressing through the group stage?”
How did they qualify for Euro 2024?
Image: Jan Oblak has made over 300 appearances for Atletico Madrid
Slovenia made the most of a favourable draw in the qualifiers for Germany 2024 to reach their second European Championship, 24 years after their debut appearance at the tournament.
They lost only twice as they finished second in Group H, level on points behind Denmark and ahead of Finland, Kazakhstan, Northern Ireland and San Marino, to book a place at the finals.
Slovenia collected seven wins and 22 points in qualifying, both records for them in a major tournament qualifying campaign.
Who are Slovenia’s key players?
Image: Slovenia striker Benjamin Sesko is regarded as one of the best young talents in Europe
Kek, 62, leads a team with little in the way of experience, save for captain and goalkeeper Jan Oblak, but with several exciting prospects.
The best of the lot is 20-year-old forward Benjamin Sesko, who scored five goals in the qualifying campaign.
“He is the modern striker par excellence. I don’t know where he will play next season, he will decide but, for now, I’ll enjoy him this summer,” Kek told Italian reporters.
Image: Nicknamed ‘The Octopus of Skofja Loka’, 31-year-old Oblak can expect a busy tournament
“We’re talking about a physically strong centre-forward who has made great progress also technically, month after month.
“He came to [the national team] when he was just a lad: a 17-year-old boy, and since then I have been watching him grow into a man. He has become a very important part of the team. Despite his youthfulness, he carries a sort of energy – the character of a diligent boy who would train day and night to achieve his goal.
Did you know?
Slovenia will be making their second appearance at the UEFA EURO, their first participation dating back to 2000. 24 years equals the second longest gap between two appearances at the tournament, the longest belonging to Hungary (44 years).
“From time to time, I have to stop him a bit and calm him down: it’s just the amazing energy [that he has]. He is like a magnet, and such a positive one. It is clear that his likeability and splendid public appearances are making it known to little boys and girls that there is a lot of work, training, and sacrifices behind this [success].”
The 31-year-old Oblak is regarded as one of the best keepers in world football and in his 10 seasons at Atletico Madrid has won the Europa League and been to the Champions League final. But this is a first major tournament for him.
What are their chances of reaching the round of 16?
Linked with Premier League clubs and set to face England for Slovenia – watch all of Benjamin Sesko goals for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga this season.
Escaping Group C would represent success for a national team without a nickname.
A return to the Euros after a lengthy absence is a source of much pride for the Slovenes and a 2-0 win over Portugal in a March friendly will have made opponents sit up and take notice.
“We are happy, delighted, and proud. It’s well-deserved for this generation of footballers; they have restored faith in Slovenian football,” added Kek.
Did you know?
At EURO 2000, Slovenia failed to win a single game (D2 L1) whilst Zlatko Zahovic scored three of their four goals. It included drawing the opening match 3-3 against FR Yugoslavia, after having been 3-0 up. It’s the only time a team has failed to win a EURO match after having led by 3+ goals.
A triumphant return at a European Championships would most likely coincide with a successful tournament for Sesko, who provided two assists to accompany those five goals in nine qualifying appearances – the most goals and assists combined of any Slovenian player.
All seven of those goal involvements came in his five home games, so he will need to show he can produce the same output on foreign soil.
The good news is that the tournament is taking place in Germany, where he plies his trade with RB Leipzig.
The 21-year-old forward scored 18 goals in all competitions for Leipzig last season, including goals in each of the last seven Bundesliga matches of the campaign.
Image: Matjaz Kek insists Slovenia aren’t going as tourists
It has sparked plenty of interest from Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United but uncertainty surrounding his immediate future has been put to bed.
Sesko was said to have a release clause in his deal that would have made him available for £55m until the end of June. He has now signed a new contract with the Bundesliga club.
Image: Sesko’s heat map and shot map for RB Leipzig in his debut Bundesliga season
Comparisons have been drawn with Erling Haaland, who also played for Red Bull Salzberg before dipping a toe in the Bundesliga, Haaland at Borussia Dortmund and Sesko at Leipzig.
Sesko played his way into the German side’s starting 11 in the second half of his debut season, and his 14 goals in 31 league matches helped clinch a Champions League berth for Leipzig.
The forward, who was eligible to play for either Slovenia or Bosnia & Herzegovina – his mother was born in the latter – has scored 11 goals in 28 internationals since making his debut in 2021.
Sesko has downplayed comparisons to Haaland, while saying his boyhood hero was former Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is the same height.
“Personally, I don’t think much of comparisons,” Sesko said after signing for Leipzig.
“Erling is an absolutely world-class striker. I enjoy watching his games on TV and obviously pay attention to what he does in different situations in the game but as I’ve already said I am a completely different type of player.”
View from Slovenia: Fans have big expectations
Sky Sports football journalists Ron Walker and Joe Shread analyse the threat of Slovenian goalscorer Benjamin Sesko who was on the wanted lists of many Premier League clubs.
Sky Sports senior football journalist Peter Smith spoke to Damir Krznar – who is head coach of Slovenian champions Celje – about the country’s chances of success at the tournament.
“It’s not so common to reach a Euros or World Cup so there is real euphoria,” said Krznar. “You can feel it in every town in Slovenia. They really believe in their team. The group is quite good for them. And the crowd expect a lot.
“They had Denmark in the qualifying group. It was not equal for sure. Denmark, especially in Denmark, was one step ahead, they were the better team. But in Slovenia it was a draw, so they can expect a lot.
“They expect a lot in the game against Serbia. They believe that they can pass the group and everything after that is quite a bonus for them.
“Slovenia is tactically and, as a group, a dangerous team, for sure.”
What system will they play?
“Throughout the qualifiers they played 4-4-2,” says Krznar. “This functions very well. Defensively, they are very stable, with Oblak in the goal, with good structure. Every team had a problem with them in offensive parts. So they’re very good in defensive shape and they try to cut all the good stuff from the opponent team. And they’re quite successful in that.
“Offensively they are fast and from this defensive block they can be very dangerous.”
Can Slovenia exploit England’s left-hand side?
Image: Zan Karnicnik will form part of Slovenia’s right side
“Zan Karnicnik will play at right full-back,” says Krznar about his Celje defender. “I use him more at left full-back. He’s an excellent player in the offensive phase. Defensively, he can have some problems but he’s a very clever guy and can prevent one-on-one situations.
“He is good in making decisions when he attacks and when he runs back, he waits for support, so he’s a very good player. And what is very good for him, in front of him, as a winger, he has [Petar] Stojanovic, who is also originally a full-back and that is where he plays in Italy for Sampdoria.
“Kek uses him in the national team as a winger. So they’re a very good team on this side with Karnicnik and Stojanovic. They were both very good during the qualifying campaign.”
Fairytale end for Ilicic?
Image: Josip Ilicic is back in the national team after suffering depression
Krznar has previously coached Josip Ilicic during their time together at Maribor. The 26-year-old has re-emerged from a time away from the game with depression, starring for Maribor back in his homeland and then making a goal-scoring return to international duty last month. He is now a part of his nation’s final 26-man squad for the Euro 2024
“He’s like new spring,” said Krznar. “He rises again. Excellent player. Everybody knows him from Atalanta. He’s a huge player, great player, and this spring he was for sure player number one in the whole league [Slovenian PrvaLiga for Maribor].
“He reached an excellent level. I’m so happy for him. I hope he can be a very good surprise for Slovenia in the tournament because for him 10-15 minutes is enough to solve the game.
“His individual quality is, maybe, the quality of top 20 in all of Europe. It’s only about the physical, the timing, but, he’s also a very clever guy. Tactically, very smart guy. Good in finishing but in assists even more.”
Full Slovenia squad
Goalkeepers: Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid), Vid Belec (APOEL), Igor Vekic (Vejle).
Defenders: Petar Stojanovic (Sampdoria), Jaka Bijol (Udinese), Miha Blazic (Lech Poznan), Jure Balkovec (Alanyaspor), Zan Karnicnik (Celje), David Brekalo (Orlando City), Erik Janza (Gornik Zabrze), Vanja Drkusic (Sochi).
Midfielders: Timi Max Elsnik (Olimpija Ljubljana), Jasmin Kurtic (Sudtirol), Benjamin Verbic (Panathinaikos), Sandi Lovric (Udinese), Adam Gnezda Cerin (Panathinaikos), Jon Gorenc Stankovic (Sturm Graz), Tomi Horvat (Sturm Graz), Adrian Zeljkovic (Spartak Trnava), Nino Zugelj (Bodo/Glimt).
Forwards: Josip Ilicic (Maribor), Andraz Sporar (Panathinaikos), Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig), Zan Celar (Lugano), Jan Mlakar (Pisa), Zan Vipotnik (Bordeaux).
Denmark’s previous triumph as rank outsiders in the 1992 European Championships means they cannot be underestimated by England in Group C.
In the last tournament, the Danes reached the semi-finals where they were eliminated by Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions, before Kasper Hjulmand’s swashbuckling side breezed through qualifying for the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
Things have been tougher since, however.
They crashed out at the group stage in Qatar after failing to fire and, although they topped Euro 2024 qualifying Group H, they did so only on goal difference ahead of Slovenia.
Image: Denmark will boast plenty of Premier League experience
What can we expect from Denmark this time around? Solid and unpleasant is how they have been described while Hjulmand showed during the qualifying campaign a tactical flexibility having changed formation on numerous occasions.
The Danes have a good chance of escaping their group, but they are not expected to replicate the feat of three years ago. Mikkel Damsgaard, who scored a brilliant free-kick in the semi-final defeat by England, has seen his career stall at Brentford on these shores.
Christian Eriksen’s powers also appear to be on the wane while it was a surprise to Celtic supporters to learn that Matt O’Riley hadn’t been included in the squad despite scoring 19 goals and providing 18 assists this season.
Image: Denmark face Slovenia in their Group C opener
Did you know?
Denmark’s 33 matches at the UEFA EURO have produced on average 2.79 goals (42 for, 50 against), that’s the highest ratio amongst the 12 teams to have played more than 20 matches in the competition.
On O’Riley’s omission, head coach Hjulmand said: “I have chosen six other midfielders but it was tight. Damsgaard and Andreas Christensen can also cover positions in the midfield. It has gone beyond Matt, but it was a difficult choice. I know he will play a lot of international matches.”
Pressed on what O’Riley could have done differently for Celtic to earn a spot, he responded: “He couldn’t have done anything differently. He could hardly do better than what he did this season.”
Wieghorst: Denmark must find way to accommodate Eriksen
Image: Christian Eriksen will look to inspire Denmark to glory
“We had a difficult 2023 in the qualifying campaign – finally, in the end, we qualified, which is the main thing, but we struggled in certain games,” Denmark assistant coach Morten Wieghorst said.
The former Denmark midfielder said his side went into qualifying knowing they would enjoy a vast amount of possession, but, as in Qatar, they often struggled to break down teams.
That, however, is unlikely to happen in Germany, where they take on England, Serbia and Slovenia in Group C, none of whom are likely to just sit back against the Danes.
“The term ‘easier’ I wouldn’t use but the games are going to be different,” Wieghorst said wryly.
Image: Head coach Kasper Hjulmand is aiming for the knockouts
There have been the highs of winning Euro 1992 to the moment which transcended the sport in the last tournament when midfielder Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest.
Despite Eriksen’s heart issue, and him not being as fleet-footed as he once was, the 32-year-old is still expected to play a key role for a team in which he has been the dominant creative force for more than a decade.
“He can find that space and time to exploit the defences of the opponents, so that’s his major strength. And then in terms of pressing, we have to accommodate a player of his stature,” Wieghorst explained.
Another major strength for the team will be the estimated 50,000 Danes expected to attend the games over the border in Germany, an asset Wieghorst does not underestimate.
“We want to make it exciting, we want to give them something to shout about, and to have a great party and a great time in Germany,” he said.
How did Denmark perform in qualifying?
Image: Hjulmand is the second Denmark head coach to lead the team in three consecutive major tournaments, after Sepp Piontek (EURO 1984, 1986 World Cup, EURO 1988). Morten Olsen was in charge at four major tournaments, but never three in a row
Denmark topped their qualifying group with 22 points, the first time they had topped a European qualifier group since the 2012 edition. The Danes won all five home games in this qualifying campaign but lost two of their five away from home (W2 D1).
Experience could be key in Germany. Croatia’s squad have the most caps in the tournament, 1,169, with Luka Modric (175) one of four centurions. Portugal are 39 behind with Switzerland and Denmark the other teams above 1,000. England’s 651 is the seventh-lowest total with Scotland ninth-lowest on 744.
Surprisingly, Denmark – along with Albania – are the only teams without a domestic-based player in their respective squads.
England have a tournament-high 24 home-based players, with Madrid star Bellingham and Bayern striker Kane the only exceptions, while Italy have 23 – Jorginho and Guglielmo Vicario play in England with Gianluigi Donnarumma at PSG.
How have Denmark’s warm-up games gone?
Image: Denmark’s training base is the Hermann-Saam-Stadium in Baden-Württemberg
Denmark wrapped up their Euro 2024 preparations with a 3-1 win over Norway at Brondby Stadium that saw Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg score for the third international game in a row, with Erling Haaland grabbing a consolation goal for the visitors.
Midfielder Hojbjerg got Saturday’s proceedings underway with a 12th-minute strike from his powerful right foot, and the Danes added a second when defender Jannick Vestergaard headed home Andreas Skov Olsen’s corner nine minutes later.
Did you know?
Since winning the UEFA EURO in 1992, Denmark have reached the knockout stages of the tournament on only two occasions: quarter-finals in 2004, semi-finals in 2020.
With Denmark making a slew of second-half changes, Haaland had a goal chalked off after a VAR review in the 65th minute but there was no stopping him seven minutes later when a superb Martin Odegaard pass teed him up to reduce the deficit. Youssef Poulsen netted a third in second-half stoppage time.
It capped a successful week of warm-up matches after Eriksen scored a stunning late winner in a 2-1 victory over Sweden at a sold-out Parken stadium four days earlier.
It cemented his spot as the Danes’ most potent creative force ahead of the tournament in Germany, where they will face Slovenia, England and Serbia in Group C, with the Slovenians up first in Stuttgart on June 16.
Can Hojlund haunt England?
Image: Hojlund notched seven times in qualifying, more than any other player, also having the most shots (23), shots on target (13) and highest xG (5.2) of any Danish player
Rasmus Hojlund will be motivated more than most to wrestle top spot off England after a rather indifferent first season in the Premier League as part of a dysfunctional Manchester United side.
The 21-year-old scored 10 league goals in 30 appearances following his £72m move from Atalanta – three more than he scored in qualifying for the Euros – and at international level, he has rarely let his country down.
His hat-trick against Finland in March made him the youngest (20 years and 47 days) hat-trick scorer for Denmark in a Euro qualifier since a 19-year-old Michael Laudrup in 1983 against Luxembourg.
A look back at Rasmus Hojlund’s red-hot streak before an injury setback derailed his season
Speaking ahead of the tournament, manager Hjulmand said on Hojlund: “I played with Rasmus’ father and have known and seen Rasmus since he was very young. I’ve watched many of his matches as a youth player and know where he comes from. His great quality is his personality.
“He is one of those young players who looks around every single day and thinks: ‘What can I learn? How can I improve?’ He has such an open mindset that revolves around: ‘I want to be better.’ That’s what shapes Rasmus. He constantly wants to become better, and he wants to be told that as well.
Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville disagree over Manchester United’s Rasmus Hojlund as the Danish striker comes towards the end of his debut campaign at Old Trafford.
“He wants to be challenged, and thrives on getting better. When he didn’t make it to the World Cup, for example, which I thought was just too early, I went down to him in Bergen and showed him some clips regarding running and heading the ball in those situations.
“And then suddenly, one winter day, I was told that he was training hard. And then I saw, for example, that match against Finland where he scored three goals. He moves incredibly well and it’s not by chance that Rasmus takes steps forward because it’s his mindset, it’s his personality.
“It’s about leveraging the things that are around him for the better. That personality can take him a long way. We’re already very pleased with him but there’s more to come.”
Who could emerge as a household name?
Image: Andreas Skov Olsen could emerge as a breakout star
Denmark have produced more than their fair share of goalscoring wingers with the ability to captivate fans and the latest is Skov Olsen, who is set to step out of the shadow of players such as the Laudrup brothers.
After breaking through at FC Nordsjaelland and spending three seasons with Bologna, the 24-year-old from Hilleroed has rediscovered his best scoring form this past season at Club Brugge in Belgium, with 26 goals in all competitions.
Skov Olsen’s breakout scoring season in Belgium comes at an intriguing time for Hjulmand’s side and may well prompt a positional shake-up from the Denmark manager in Germany.
Previously playmaker Eriksen occupied the space on the right of midfield that Skov Olsen prefers but the latter’s pace, close control and lethal left foot make him a huge threat as he cuts in from the wing.
As an added bonus, Skov Olsen is also more than capable with his right foot as shown by some deft chipped finishes in his club career.
Image: Denmark struggled badly to create chances at the World Cup in Qatar but Skov Olsen is helping fill the void
To truly prosper in Germany, Skov Olsen will need to show that he is able to score against high-level opposition – he netted only three times in 70 games for Bologna and his last international goal came in September 2022 against France.
Like many of Denmark’s top players, demands will be placed on Skov Olsen’s intelligence and tactical flexibility as his side seek to navigate their way out of a difficult group.
If he stays clear of injury, Skov Olsen may well be the latest in a long line of Danish attackers to excite the team’s fanatical supporters.
Image: Skov Olsen has had a breakout scoring season in Belgium
By the way, keep an eye out also for holding midfielder Morten Hjulmand. There’s no relation with head coach Kasper, in case you were wondering.
The 24-year-old arrives off the back of a stellar season with Sporting as part of Ruben Amorim’s Portuguese league title-winning team.
Hjulmand only made his Denmark debut in September, so is a bit of a late bloomer on the international stage.
Shenae Ciesiolka and Tarryn Aiken scored Queensland tries, before a Lauren Brown drop-goal sealed a one-point win vs New South Wales in Game II of Women’s State of Origin; Game III in historic best-of-three series takes place in Townsville, Queensland on June 27 live on Sky Sports
Last Updated: 06/06/24 1:22pm
Queensland levelled the Women’s State of Origin series at 1-1, coming from behind to clinch a late win vs New South Wales
A Lauren Brown drop-goal with two minutes to play sealed an 11-10 win for Queensland in an epic State of Origin contest at New South Wales, levelling the series.
In front of record women’s Origin crowd of 25,782, the Maroons dug deep to keep the series alive after trailing by six points with 10 minutes to play.
Keeley Davis and Tiana Penitani scored tries for New South Wales’ Sky Blues – either side of a Shenae Ciesiolka try – before Queensland’s Tarryn Aiken hit back with a superb individual try, which Brown converted to level the scores into the closing stages.
The Maroons – who lost 22-12 in Game I – then recovered the ball with three minutes to play, and set up a position for Brown to produce a drop-goal winner into the face of a wind.
The two sides will now face off in a series decider in Queensland on Thursday June 27, live on Sky Sports.
When Tiana Penitani scored a try in the corner for New South Wales, the Sky Blues looked to have done enough to win
Maroons five-eighth Aiken came up with a dazzling solo try in the 62nd minute as the defending champions refused to lie down and with Brown’s conversion it was locked up at 10-10.
A dropped ball by Sky Blues prop Caitlan Johnston with three minutes to play ensured a grandstand finish and it was Brown who slotted a composed field goal into the breeze to put the Maroons ahead 11-10.
From there the defending champions hung on to the lead and will head home to Queensland for a decider on June 27.
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