New Delhi: A splendid exhibition of football, briefly interrupted by a 20-minute lightning delay, concluded at BVB Stadion Dortmund with Germany advancing to the quarter-finals following a 2-0 triumph over Denmark. Nagelsmann’s squad started the match energetically, with Schlotterbeck scoring a header that was disallowed within the first five minutes. Remarkable saves by Schmeichel kept the scoreline level through the first half-hour.
The weather-induced pause seemed to reinvigorate Denmark, with Højlund nearly opening the scoring just before the first-half stoppage time, although his chip failed to beat Neuer. After the restart, Hjulmand’s frustrations with the referee grew when Andersen’s goal was ruled out for offside in the buildup. Andersen’s night worsened when his handball in the penalty area allowed Havertz to convert from the spot, putting Germany ahead seven minutes before the hour mark.
Havertz continued to pose a threat, but it was Musiala who sealed the victory, curling a superb shot past Schmeichel 15 minutes later. With an xG of 2.66 compared to Denmark’s 1.05 and 55% possession, Germany’s victory was well-deserved. They move forward to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals, while Denmark’s campaign comes to an end in Dortmund following their Round of 16 defeat.
1. Nagelsmann pulls surprises in the starting XI
DORTMUND, GERMANY – JUNE 29: Kai Havertz of Germany looks on during the UEFA EURO 2024 round of 16 match between Germany and Denmark at Football Stadium Dortmund on June 29, 2024 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
Julian Nagelsmann opted to start Leroy Sane and David Raum instead of Maximillian Mittelstaedt and Florian Wirtz against Denmark. There were multiple reports that the German backroom was planning to start Fullkrug in the striker position, but the young German manager pulled a significant surprise. Leroy Sane and David Raum provide a different profile on the pitch than the former Wirtz and Mittelstaedt.
Kai Havertz was selected once more to start in the striker role. Despite scoring a goal, he missed three consecutive clear-cut opportunities that should have resulted in goals. Meanwhile, Niclas Fullkrug, who has been in excellent form with a strong track record for Germany, remained unused by Julian Nagelsmann.
Fullkrug is a traditional center forward known for his goal-scoring abilities, whereas Havertz, not naturally a striker, showed less proficiency and intent in front of goal. Had Fullkrug been chosen over Havertz, Germany might have achieved a more favorable scoreline by the end of the match.
Sane likes to take on the defenders, cut inside from the flanks, and pull them to create space in the surrounding area while Wirtz is more creatively sound and prefers rotating the ball. However, the inclusion of Sane did little for Nagelsmann, with the German winger only having one touch inside the opposition box and creating no big chances for Germany.
David Raum provides a better-attacking output than Mittelstaedt. His overlaps on the left flank helped Germany dominate the left side of the field. He continued being a major threat to the Danish defence, with one of his crosses leading to the handball that awarded the penalty to Germany.
2. Rasmus Højlund’s goal drought continues
Dortmund – Rasmus Hojlund of Denmark during the UEFA EURO 2024 round of 16 match between Germany and Denmark at BVB Stadium Dortmund on June 29, 2024 in Dortmund, Germany. ANP | Hollandse Hoogte | MAURICE VAN STEEN (Photo by ANP via Getty Images)
Rasmus Højlund’s goal drought extended further with another lackluster performance for Denmark. The Danish striker, despite having seven touches in the opposition’s penalty area and taking four shots, failed to find the net and missed two clear scoring opportunities. His lack of form has been a significant concern for the Danish team throughout UEFA Euro 2024, as he has yet to score a single goal in the tournament.
Højlund made headlines with his high-profile €80 million transfer to Manchester United from Europa League winners Atalanta. However, since the move, his performance has notably declined. Throughout 2024, he has managed to score only one goal for Denmark and has struggled to make a positive impact on the national team.
Denmark’s loss to Germany in the Round of 16 highlighted Højlund’s ongoing struggle to deliver on the big stage. His performance in Euro 2024 has been disappointing, and his inability to score has contributed to the Danish side’s challenges in the tournament. The once-promising striker’s goal drought continues, leaving Danish fans and team management hoping for a turnaround in his form.
3. VAR steals the limelight
DORTMUND, GERMANY – JUNE 29: The LED board shows the VAR goal check message for the goal scored by Joachim Andersen of Denmark (not pictured), which is later disallowed for offside during the UEFA EURO 2024 round of 16 match between Germany and Denmark at Football Stadium Dortmund on June 29, 2024, in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Michael Regan – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Video Assistant Referee (VAR) is in the spotlight yet again in the UEFA Euro 2024. A crucial Danish goal was called off, Schlotterbeck’s header got called off, and Germany were awarded a penalty. Here are the three decisions taken in the match:
Schlotterbeck initially celebrated his goal, but his elation quickly turned to disappointment as referee Michael Oliver ruled it out for a foul committed by Kimmich inside the 18-yard box during the delivery.
At first, the referee signaled a goal, only for a two-minute VAR check to overturn it, disallowing Denmark’s goal as well due to an offside call against Delaney in the buildup, maintaining the scoreline level.
Moments later, the referee reviewed a potential handball incident after Raum’s cross appeared to brush Andersen’s fingers. Following a thorough examination, Oliver returned to the field and was awarded a penalty. This sequence of VAR decisions had a significant impact on Andersen’s fortunes in just a few minutes.
Germany beat Denmark 2-0 in a dominant fashion. Goals from Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala helped the hosts qualify for the Euro 2024 quarter-finals. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
