Denmark will be without influential defender Daniel Agger, as they face a trip to Serbia in European Championship qualifiers this evening.
The centre back, limped off the field in Brondby’s recent league match against Hobro last Sunday. Having rejoined the Danish side after eight and a half years at Anfield, the Danish Football Association released a statement saying:
"The decision was taken jointly by the Danish captain and (coach) Morten Olsen during a telephone conversation in which it was clear that the risk of aggravating the injury was too great.”
I hope that we are going to be concentrating on football this time. It is going to be a little bit bad without supporters for the game against Denmark.
Currently on equal terms with Albania in second place, a win over Sweden could see them extend their lead at the top, while Serbia crash to rock bottom of Group I. Alternatively, a win for Dick Advocaat’s side could send them top.
Captained by Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic, Serbia are currently ranked 46th in the world, but have only played two qualifying fixtures to date. Opening proceedings a 1-1 draw in Armenia, the nation was handed a 3-0 walkover against Albania, after political disputes ended in the fixture being abandoned, but were subsequently deducted three points.
As Serbian defender Stefan Mitrovic grabbed a flag with Albanian national symbols flown by a remotely operated drone, riots took place on the field and in the stands in unsavory scenes. Because of the violence, Serbia were ordered to play their next two home games behind closed doors – which includes tonight’s fixture.
Serbia were also fined £79,000 for their involvement, but have since appealed the fine.
Southampton midfielder Dusan Tadic, a Serbian international, has admitted he is not looking forward to playing tonight against Denmark in an empty stadium. He said:
“I hope that we are going to be concentrating on football this time. It is going to be a little bit bad without supporters for the game against Denmark, but, ok, we need to adapt on that situation.”
The 25-year-old has only experienced a single game behind closed doors, and struggled within the situation. He explained:
“It was really bad, because normally we play because of supporters and this is really bad when you play without supporters. For us, and I think for Denmark, it is going to be a really important game, but I hope we are going to win.
“We need to be confident and we need to give everything to win.”