Denmark Aims for Redemption: Inside the Danes’ Determined Campaign at the Women's Euro After Sweden Mauling
The winds sweeping across Lake Neuchâtel carry with them a sense of reflection and resolve—a fitting atmosphere for a Danish women's national football team seeking redemption. Last month’s encounter with Sweden, which ended in an unforgiving 6-1 defeat for Denmark, is still fresh in the minds of players, supporters, and their head coach Andree Jeglertz. Now, ensconced at their team hotel near the tranquil Swiss lakeshore, the Danes are determined to turn that bruising lesson into a springboard for their Women’s Euro campaign.From Humbling Loss to Fresh Ambitions
A 6-1 loss stings in any circumstance. But to concede three goals within the opening 11 minutes, as Denmark did in Stockholm, shapes scars that challenge not only tactical preparation but also the psyche. For Jeglertz, a Swedish-born tactician who knows his rivals inside out, the aftermath of the defeat did not translate into panic. Instead, his response was rooted in calm, measured optimism bolstered by the team’s long-term groundwork.“We need to get a better start, that's for sure,” Jeglertz told Reuters, smiling with the candor of someone who has faced adversity before. His reaction—a refusal to make wholesale changes—may surprise those who expected a radical shake-up. But the rationale is clear: “We have been working together for two years, so we have built a foundation that I don’t want to throw away. We just need to put a little bit more attention on some details in our way of defending and attacking that will give us a better result, hopefully.”
Critically, Jeglertz’s words show a blend of resilience and strategic patience. Rather than risking the destabilization of Denmark’s core footballing identity, his focus is on polish and pragmatism: defensive compactness, attacking sharpness, and, above all, mental readiness at kickoff.
Tactical Deficiencies and Lessons Learned
Analyzing Denmark’s defeat against Sweden reveals a harsh but valuable diagnostic. The opening minutes were disastrous: poor defensive communication, loose midfield marking, and Sweden’s ruthless exploitation of wide spaces all contributed to the early deficit. The Danish backline was repeatedly stretched, with Sweden’s attackers benefitting from unchecked runs and quick vertical passes.However, Denmark’s performance after the initial shock showed they can compete at this elite level. They gradually tightened their lines, started building through midfield, and momentarily looked threatening. Yet, by that time, the damage was already done.
What does this mean as the Euro opening whistle approaches? For Denmark, the priority lies in containment and control—shutting down transitions, ensuring defensive discipline, and harnessing their own technical strengths to play on their terms. While the specifics of Jeglertz’s tactical adjustments remain under wraps, close observers expect an emphasis on compactness, early pressing, and careful risk management in buildup phases.
Trust in the Process: The Two-Year Plan
One of Denmark’s core strengths is the continuity under Jeglertz’s stewardship. Over two years, the team has forged on with a distinct style: a blend of Scandinavian physicality and strategic flexibility. Players have bought into the system, which has yielded competitive performances against top-tier opposition, even if consistency occasionally wavers.Deciding not to overhaul the system after a single heavy defeat is not a sign of stubbornness, but a calculated bet that Denmark’s best results will emerge from cohesion and trust. Changing too much, too soon, could undermine player confidence right when tournament nerves are at their peak.
Jeglertz’s approach echoes what many high-performing teams have learned: in major championships, success often hinges less on tactical novelty than on execution, psychological readiness, and the ability to adapt within a trusted framework.
Focused Minds: ‘One Game at a Time’ Mentality
The tentativeness after a bad opening can be fatal in tournament football. Jeglertz is acutely aware of this psychological trap. “It's still only one game at a time. If we started thinking that, if we get a bad start, a bad result, a bad feeling after (one game), it's much tougher,” he explained.The Danish squad is thus committed to total focus on their opening match against Sweden before focusing on subsequent Group C opponents, Germany and Poland. This “one game at a time” mantra isn’t merely a cliché; it’s a vital safeguard against both complacency and despair. With a good result in the opener, Denmark would significantly boost their probability of advancing out of a fierce group, while simultaneously exorcising some of the ghosts from Stockholm.
Women's Football Leaps Forward
Underlying the anticipation around Denmark’s campaign is a broader narrative: the dramatic evolution of women’s football across Europe. Few are better placed than Jeglertz, who, with a successful six-year tenure as coach with Finland, has watched the women’s game surge forward in tempo, technical quality, and professional infrastructure.“The tempo is higher, the quality of each player is better, everything is growing, not just only the player, also the referees, everything around is also taking the next step,” he says. This isn’t empty cheerleading; it’s a testament echoed by tournament data and club-level investments witnessed over the past few years.
The explosion of women’s football has meant greater tactical sophistication, deeper squads, and rising expectations. For Denmark and teams like them, this brings both opportunity and risk: the margin for error is smaller, but the rewards for meticulous planning and resilience are greater.
Strengths to Watch: Key Danish Players and Strategic Assets
1. Experience and Unity
Many of Denmark’s squad members have been battle-tested—in domestic leagues and international stages. Veterans provide not only technical acumen but also the composure necessary under pressure. Players like Pernille Harder, whose reputation as one of Europe's finest playmakers continues to grow, bring vision and leadership that Denmark will lean on.2. Tactical Flexibility
Despite recent setbacks, Denmark’s tactical setup has the ability to morph between a disciplined defensive block and a creative attacking threat. Their attacking schemes often utilize wide play and late runs from midfield—features that can disrupt the compact defensive lines Sweden is known for.3. Cohesion and Communication
Two years of preparation under Jeglertz have honed Denmark’s on-pitch chemistry. They are adept at quick passing sequences, and their collective defensive transitions, when properly executed, can frustrate even the most organized opponents.Weaknesses and Risks: The Roadblocks Ahead
1. Psychological Shadows
The 6-1 loss remains a potential psychological hurdle. If Denmark concedes early once again, the team’s ability to regroup mentally will be under severe scrutiny. Jeglertz’s public optimism is thus a calculated effort to shield his players and keep anxiety from snowballing.2. Defensive Vulnerability
The opening minutes against Sweden exposed vulnerabilities—especially when the backline faces pace and off-the-ball movement. Unless these weaknesses are addressed, Denmark may find themselves at the mercy of elite attackers.3. Depth Against Power
Group C presents a trial by fire: Germany and Sweden are established powerhouses, and Poland is no pushover. Denmark’s squad depth, while promising, may be tested by the physical and tactical demands of three high-intensity group fixtures.Critical Analysis: Are Denmark’s Prospects Realistic?
Several key factors will determine whether Denmark can shake off their drubbing and mount a credible Euro run:- A Fast, Focused Start: Jeglertz rightly emphasizes the importance of the opening minutes. A disciplined, energetic beginning can set the tone and thin out the ghosts of Stockholm.
- Adapting in Real Time: While sticking to a two-year plan makes sense, successful tournament sides must also adapt to situational pressures. In-game tweaks—adjusted pressing lines, mid-match formation shifts, and substitute impact—will be crucial.
- Finishing Chances: Denmark must be clinical. Against Sweden, even brief attacking momentum was squandered by wayward finishing and over-elaboration in the final third. Efficiency in front of goal could be a swing factor.
- Physical Management: With a compact fixture list, maintaining fitness and avoiding injuries will be as important as any tactical scheme.
- Handling Pressure: After a bruising defeat, the capacity to stay level-headed—whether inspiring a comeback or holding onto a lead—will be the acid test of Denmark’s mental steel.
Comparing to Group Rivals: Setting Realistic Expectations
Sweden
The Swedes arrive as favorites—not only due to their demolition of Denmark last month but through their recent consistency at major tournaments and a squad stacked with top-league talent. Sweden’s attack combines technical skill with athleticism, and their history of big-stage composure means they will be difficult to rattle.Germany
Germany’s pedigree in women’s football is nearly unmatched, boasting multiple European and world titles. Their disciplined pressing, midfield creativity, and deep talent pool make them tournament stalwarts.Poland
Often overlooked, Poland possesses a mix of youthful energy and established domestic stars. While not yet serious contenders, they are capable of exploiting any complacency.Against this backdrop, Denmark’s opening match takes on amplified significance. A positive result against Sweden would energize the group, but even a valiant, close-fought defeat could provide a springboard for progression if lessons are learned and morale remains unbroken.
How Far Can the Danes Go?
History shows that major tournaments often produce surprises. Teams written off after group-stage predictions can surge deep, while favorites sometimes stumble under the weight of expectation. What separates overachievers from also-rans? More often than not, it’s unity of purpose, tactical discipline, and the refusal to wilt in adversity.Denmark possesses the ingredients: a coach with international tournament know-how, a core of experienced players, relative tactical clarity, and motivation stoked by the desire to avenge past humiliation. The risks remain—especially around defensive frailties and psychological scars—but so too does the potential for a memorable campaign.
Women’s Euro: A Showcase for Growth and Passion
Beyond Denmark’s storyline, this edition of the Women’s Euro showcases the global rush of excitement surrounding women’s football. Increased investment, broader media coverage, and unprecedented levels of technical and athletic excellence mean the tournament is more competitive than ever. Rising attendance figures, television ratings, and club-level signings confirm that women’s football is no longer a niche but a global phenomenon.Jeglertz’s observation of the game’s growth—“everything is growing, not just only the player, also the referees, everything around is also taking the next step”—is backed up by industry statistics. UEFA’s major women’s tournaments now attract millions of viewers across dozens of countries, driving commercial success and inspiring a new generation of athletes.
For Denmark, participating at this elevated stage means more than just chasing a trophy: it’s a chance to assert their footballing values, inspire fans, and accelerate the game’s development back home.
Conclusion: Turning Setbacks into Momentum
The shadow of a 6-1 thrashing is long, but not insurmountable. For the Danish women’s national team, the task is clear: channel the pain of Stockholm, draw from the foundation built over two years, and face Sweden in Geneva with measured confidence and relentless determination. Their odds, on paper, may be long—but history favors those who refuse to fold when the stakes are highest.With a coach who refuses to abandon his principles and a squad eager to rewrite their narrative, Denmark’s Women’s Euro journey promises drama, growth, and, perhaps, redemption. In a tournament where every game counts and every minute can tip the scales, the Danes’ fresh start is more than a necessity—it is an opportunity to seize control of their destiny and show Europe just how far they have come.
Source: The Straits Times Danes seeking fresh Women's Euro start after recent Sweden thrashing
