Denmark U21 v Sweden U21 – Preview: Scandinavians set for semi-final as Italians left crying ‘Biscotto!’

Date: 27th June 2015 at 9:00am
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Denmark and Sweden are set to face-off in what will be an all Scandinavian semi-final at the European Under-21 Championship in the Czech Republic.

The Danes progressed through Group A as group winners after winning two of their three group games, and despite being beaten 3-0 by Germany, they still managed to finish ahead of their neighbours as they won their two other group games, something the Germans could not achieve as they failed to beat either Serbia or the host nation – the Czech Republic.

Their Scandinavian counterparts, Sweden, had a rather different route through Group B and progressed to the semi-finals in a way which has left a bitter taste in the mouths of Luigi Di Biagio and supporters of his Italian side.

The Swedes did not have the most comfortable start to the championship, as they found themselves a man and a goal down to the much-fancied Azzurrini with over an hour to play in their group opener. They did, however, turn the game around and claim victory before losing to England in the second round of fixtures. Italy’s inability to overcome Portugal left the final round of fixtures with the possibility of a perfect scenario being on the cards for both Portugal and Sweden. As Italy defeated England with ease, both the Portuguese and the Swedes seemed content with a draw which would see them both through and eliminate Italy on the head-to-head rule.

Denmark will be confident of progression as they prepare for the game against a team who were widely considered the least likely to progress from their group, but it should be noted that this Sweden side are well versed in defying the odds and performing above all expectations in the face of adversity, just look at the infamous tie against France that sealed their qualification for the tournament.

Neither team can boast an impressive record at this stage of the tournament, with Sweden appearing just once and losing, while Denmark have lost three of their four European semi finals at this level.

Form Guide: Denmark (W-L-W-D-W) Sweden (D-L-W-D-W)

Expected Starting XIs

Denmark: Busk; Jonsson, Scholz, Vestergaard, Christensen; Christensen, Norgaard, Thomsen; Poulsen, Bech, Fischer.

Sweden: Carlgren; Baffo, Milosevic, Augustinsson, Helander; Hiljemark, Lewicki, Khalili; Guidetti, Larsson, Thelin.

 

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