Denmark pegged back by steely Slovenia

Denmark dropped their first points of 2015 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying after being held to a draw by Slovenia.

The visitors were on course for a third win in Group 2 after taking a 30th-minute lead through Nicolai Brock-Madsen. The momentum behind them ended when Haris Vučkič levelled two minutes later and Andraž Šporar steered Slovenia into a half-time lead. Not to be denied a share of the spoils, Lasse Christensen scored a minute after coming on in the second period to earn Denmark a point.

Bassel Jradi exemplified Denmark's early enthusiasm, combining with Youssef Toutouh before sending a deflected effort over. The goal they threatened arrived shortly after, Brock-Madsen concluding a dashing run with a smart finish in off a post. In the blink of an eye, Vučkič played a neat one-two with Šporar and fired past Frederik Rønnow, before Šporar found the net with a venomous 25-metre effort.

Slovenia goalkeeper Ažbe Jug had to be at his best to deny Brock-Madsen 18 minutes into the second half but there was nothing he could do to prevent Christensen equalising soon after. The Fulham FC midfielder finished expertly after being picked out by Yussuf Poulsen. "We came here to win but I am happy with a point. It might turn out to be an important one," said Denmark coach Jess Thorup.