Germany Breeze Through Quarters With Commanding Win Over Denmark
Germany overcame their recent struggles against Denmark, securing a thrilling 2-0 victory and a place in the Euro 2024 quarterfinals at Signal Iduna Park on Saturday.
The match was a dramatic affair, marked by attacking football and crucial interventions from VAR (Video Assistant Referee). Determined to overturn their shaky record against Denmark (three draws, one win for Germany, and two wins for Denmark in the last six meetings), the hosts started aggressively.
Nico Schlotterbeck thought he had opened the scoring with a towering header, but VAR disallowed the goal for a foul. Unfazed, Germany continued to press. Joshua Kimmich unleashed a rocket aimed for the top corner in the sixth minute, forcing a spectacular save from Kasper Schmeichel. Antonio Rüdiger’s long ball found Kai Havertz in the 10th minute, whose first-time volley resulted in a corner.
Denmark gradually grew into the game, holding possession and creating their first chance with a blocked shot from Christian Eriksen in the 20th minute. However, the relentless attacks from both sides were halted in the 35th minute when referee Michael Oliver suspended the match due to severe weather conditions.
Upon resumption, Germany maintained their attacking momentum. Havertz’s close-range header again called Schmeichel into action. Denmark nearly took the lead just before halftime when Rasmus Højlund attempted to chip Manuel Neuer, but the German goalkeeper kept them level.
Early in the second half, Denmark thought they had scored through Joachim Andersen, but VAR ruled it offside. Moments later, VAR awarded Germany a penalty after a foul on Andersen. Havertz stepped up and coolly converted, finding the bottom corner to give Germany the lead.
With the advantage secured, Germany sat back slightly, allowing Denmark more possession. However, a double substitution with Emre Can and Niclas Füllkrug replacing Robert Andrich and Ilkay Gündogan revitalized Germany’s attack. Jamal Musiala capitalized on this renewed energy, curling a fantastic shot past Schmeichel to double Germany’s lead.
Denmark responded with their own substitutions, bringing on Christian Nørgaard and Yussuf Poulsen, but these changes failed to unlock Germany’s resolute defense. Germany’s victory, a testament to their tactical prowess and clinical finishing, sees them progress to the quarterfinals, leaving Denmark to rue missed opportunities. With this dominant performance, Germany sends a strong message to their upcoming opponents.