Soccer-Hjulmand prescribes "hygge" for Danish day off after England draw

FRANKFURT, Germany (Reuters) – Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand has decided to reward his players with a much-needed day off after their Euro 2024 draw against England on Thursday, suggesting they spend Saturday creating an atmosphere of “hygge” – a Danish word meaning to enjoy warmth and comfort – for themselves.

Beaten by England in the Euro 2020 semi-finals, the Danes put in an enormous physical effort against them en route to a 1-1 draw that leaves them in second spot in the group ahead of their last game against Serbia in Munich on Tuesday.

“It’s the first day off since June 3, and therefore it’s important to get away for a bit. I don’t know what they will do, people just need to be, to lick their wounds,” Hjulmand told reporters in Danish, adding that they should “hygge sig lidt”, or relax and enjoy themselves.

The Danish concept of “hygge” has become a hot topic in lifestyle magazines in recent years as people around the world seek to recreate the cosy, relaxing Scandinavian atmosphere that the Danes have become famous for.

Players not involved in the game against England went through a tough training session on Friday, and Hjulmand said that apart from some meetings, they were now free until preparations for the Serbia game begin on Sunday.

“We know exactly what we need to do, and we have an extra day to set it all up compared to last time (after the Slovenia game). We are in a good place, so after today’s training we will take a break for a day and a half,” he said.

England top group C on four points, with Denmark second and Slovenia, who drew in their opening game with the Danes, third. Serbia are bottom of the group with one point from their draw against Slovenia.

(Reporting by Philip O’Connor; Editing by Toby Chopra)