Euro 2025 U-21 Preview: Netherlands vs Denmark Showdown in Group D

Date and time: June 15, 2025, 22:00 CET. Location: Prešov, Slovakia, Tatran Arena.
Euro 2025 U-21, Group D, Matchday 2

Netherlands U-21 – Denmark U-21

Suspensions: None

Injuries: Rom-Jayden Owusu-Oduro, Yuri Bass, Dirk Propper (Netherlands); Mohammed Daramy (Denmark)

Netherlands U-21: History and Form

"Jong Oranje" boast two U-21 European Championship titles, won back-to-back in 2006 and 2007, decisively beating Ukraine 3-0 and Serbia 4-1 in the finals. They missed the next two editions but returned to the semifinals in 2013, where Italy ended their run, and again reached the semis in 2021, falling to eventual champions Germany, with Florian Wirtz netting a double. However, their last outing under coach Erwin van de Looi was disappointing as they finished third in a group with Georgia, Portugal, and Belgium—drawing all three matches.

Following that setback, Michael Reiziger took over the Dutch U-21s, masterminding a flawless qualifying campaign with 10 wins from 10 games—the best performance across all nine groups. The team scored 32 goals and conceded just 3, leaving behind Georgia, Sweden, North Macedonia, Moldova, and Gibraltar. After qualification, "Jong Oranje" played several friendlies, drawing with Slovakia and England late last year, then beating Italy and Romania in March, and securing a win over Ivory Coast heading into Euro 2025.

Given those strong qualifying results and the country's rich youth football tradition, Reiziger’s squad entered as favorites in Group D. Yet, surprisingly, they stumbled in their opening match against Finland, widely seen as group underdogs. Although the Dutch dominated possession and created more chances, they narrowly escaped defeat when Ernest Poku equalized deep into stoppage time. Finland punished sloppy Dutch defensive play twice in the first half and led 2-0 at halftime. Luciano Valente pulled one back midway through the second half, and another substitute found the net late on to rescue a point.

Denmark U-21: Background and Current Form

Denmark’s U-21 best runs include semifinal appearances in 1992 and 2015. While progressing then required finishing in the top two of their groups—without the extended knockout rounds of today—the achievement remains significant. Between 2015 and 2021, Denmark consistently reached the final tournaments but fell to Germany in a penalty shootout in Hungary and Slovenia. Notably, they missed the previous tournament held in Georgia and Romania.

Steffen Højer took over as head coach in early 2023, after over a decade in various roles at Viborg, including sporting director and head coach, as well as assistant roles with the Denmark U-21s. Now in his second year at the helm, Højer led his team to direct qualification for Euro 2025, topping their group by 17 points from eight matches—three clear of Czech Republic and Wales. However, post-qualification form has been shaky: Denmark went winless in four friendlies, losing to Germany (0-3) and Spain (1-2), and drawing with Poland (3-3) and Italy (1-1).

The Danes weren’t expected to win their opening Euro 2025 match but did so in dramatic fashion. Twice trailing Ukraine, they turned the game around thanks to effective substitutions. Clement Byskov sparked the comeback minutes after coming on, followed by William Beving leveling the score with a slight deflection from his teammate Osula’s assist, and Beving himself scoring the winner soon after. Denmark now leads Group D and can secure a playoff spot with another victory.

Predicted Lineups: Netherlands vs Denmark

Lineups to be confirmed closer to kickoff.

Author’s Prediction

The Netherlands underperformed versus Finland, conceding a possible winning position and only salvaging a draw late. Denmark showed little flash but capitalized on defensive frailties and poor chance conversion by their rivals to secure their first win. Currently, a draw would largely suit Denmark, while another win would guarantee their playoff berth. The Dutch must bounce back strongly to avoid jeopardizing their progression from the group. Overall, Reiziger’s side remains clear favorites, so expect them to claim victory. Anticipate an engaging, high-scoring encounter with goals from both sides.