Slovenia had early stage fright against Danes but will improve says coach

STUTTGART, Germany - Slovenia were initially overwhelmed by playing on the big stage in the 1-1 draw against Denmark in their Euro 2024 Group C opener on Sunday and the players have realised there is room for improvement, said coach Matjaz Kek.

His team were playing in their first international tournament since the 2010 World Cup and their first Euros since 2000 and it initially showed with Denmark in complete control and taking the lead through playmaker Christian Eriksen.

"I expected that the first half would be like that," Kek told a press conference. "That is because many of our players had never played a game like that in a tournament like this.

"Once they realised that they can actually create some chances then the game turned," he said

Slovenia battled back after a one-sided first half and levelled when defender Erik Janza scored with a deflected shot that wrong-footed keeper Kasper Schmeichel. A minute earlier Slovenia striker Benjamin Sesko had rattled the woodwork.

"We were a bit intimidated in the first half but we improved after the break. What has become clear is how much room for improvement there is," Kek said.

Slovenia next play Serbia on Thursday before facing group favourites England in their last match five days later.

"Still I have to say that in the first goal we were too naive. It is something that we will learn from and we will improve," said the coach.

"Overall it was a good game. We did not have a lot of luck with Sesko's finish but we still managed to score. But that first half should make us think.

"I still want to congratulate my boys because Slovenia left a good impression in Europe," Kek added. REUTERS