Scoutmania

Denmark proved their strength by dominating their opponents for the entire match and by qualifying as first of their group with a ‘heavy’ win (0-7). Switzerland still managed to qualify as the third-placed team with the best record against the top two teams in their group for the elite round which will be played in spring 2026. Although both teams had great talents in their ranks, Denmark tactical organization helped the individual quality of their players shining.

Switzerland, led by the Serbian coach Ilija Borenovic in a 1-3-4-3 formation, fielded six outfield left footed players including their two central midfielders and their right wingback Etoski, who challenged the opposition defensive line with passes over the defensive line (as in the image below) and with his offensive 1v1 skills.

In possession their centre-back Akahomen (highlighted in the image below) moved up in a ‘pivot’ position (2+3), closing the passing lanes to the two central midfielders which were stopped from getting on the ball by the structured Danish 4-3-3 zonal high-block.

Out of possession they set up in a 1-5-4-1 formation with a high defensive line which relied on the defenders ability to drop with good timing and in a coordinated manner (see image below). At times this allowed the Danish forwards to time their runs in behind effectively and create dangerous situations.

They adopted a man-marking approach on defensive goal-kicks leaving their centre-backs 1v1 against the opposition forwards (see image).

Denmark, managed by Mads Lyng (previously assistant manager in Horsens and OB) in a 1-4-3-3 formation, had great confidence in possession and used often 1-2 touches to get around the opposition pressure with success.

On goal-kicks, they dropped the two midfielders Heyde and Møller and kept Martin higher; Heyde was able to exploit the space behind the pressing player by staying in his ‘shadow’ before showing for the ball to beat the front pressure (see image below).

Martin challenged the opposition defensive line by running through it from deep (see image below). Also Lærke and Gøthler showed good timing when attacking the back space without the ball, while Hyseni assisted his team mates with precise through passes, as in Denmark’s second goal scored by Stüker, or shot from a long distance as in the fifth goal (60′).

They used dangerous inswing deliveries from corners from both sides, as in the first goal scored by Schjøtt after 7 minutes from kick-off (see image below).

Who are the players who stood out in this high level international match?

Gustav Schjøtt (Denmark; VfL Bochum U19), centre-back born 2007.

Gustav was dominant in the air, strong in physical duels and confident under pressure. He used often 1 touch passes to beat the opposition pressure and did not lose composure even when receiving challenging passes. He scored his team first goal of the match from close range following an offensive corner.

His explosiveness together with his playmaking skills make him suitable for a Serie A club (bottom to mid-table).

Olti Hyseni (Denmark / Kosovo; Sönderjyske Fodbold), left winger born 2007.

Olti is an inverted winger with great offensive output. He showed an outstanding level of technique both in passing and shooting. His creativity and vision helped him seeing passes which the opponents struggle to defend. Unpredictable when attacking 1v1 due to his sharp changes of direction with the ball. His super strength is shooting from distance, he scored a fantastic goal after dribbling inside the pitch with a powerful shot from 25 meters towards the top corner of the goal.

His talent is immense and the quality of his offensive actions of top level! I would not be surprised if a Premier League club would invest on his further development.

William Martin (Denmark / Ireland; Odense BK), offensive midfielder born 2007.

William is a modern offensive midfielder with a well rounded skillset. His biggest strength is his reading of the game and timing of his movements. Good positioning to receive the ball unmarked between the lines or run behind the opposition defensive line. He made a fantastic assist for Gøthler in Denmark’s fourth goal by playing a well-paced through pass which set the attacker in a 1vGK situation. And scored the third goal by attacking the far post following the goalkeeper quick restart and Gøthler precise early cross; he showed to be clinical in front of the goal by taking an extra touch before finishing.

Check this previous article to read my opinion on his future development.

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