The dream lives on: Germany wins

From impressive combinations, disallowed goals to heavy rain: the second round of 16 duel between Germany and Denmark had a lot to offer. In the end, the hosts prevailed - and continue to dream of winning the title in their own country.

June 29, 2024

From: dpa/mv

The German European Championship party continues after an extraordinary evening of football and celebrated goals from penalty taker Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala. In the 2-0 (0-0) win against stubborn Danes on Saturday, the national team had to endure anxious minutes of video footage after lightning, thunder and heavy rain in the shaking Dortmund stadium before storming into the quarter-finals after a long run-up. There, the DFB team will face Spain or Georgia.

Germany started the game better and was immediately present on the offensive. Raum won a corner, and Schlotterbeck headed the ball kicked by Toni Kroos into the goal (4th minute). But referee Michael Oliver blew his whistle decisively and quickly in the celebrations, and the Englishman severely penalized a foul by Joshua Kimmich, who had blocked Schlotterbeck's path in the penalty area.

No getting past Schmeichel at first

It was not 1-0, but the direction of the game was clear: Germany were the much better team in the first 20 minutes. The Danes barely made it out of their own half and could thank their goalkeeper Schmeichel that the first German goals were not scored early. The 37-year-old thwarted chances from Kimmich, Schlotterbeck (both 7th) and Havertz, who took advantage of a strong pass from defensive leader Antonio Rüdiger, who had recovered in time, to score (10th).

Kasper Schmeichel was the best Danish player of the evening. But he could not prevent the defeat. © ANSA / ANNA SZILAGYI

The DFB selection played very variably in attack, but also made passing errors from time to time. Denmark's star player Christian Eriksen got into the game a little better. A tactical instruction from the Danish national coach Kasper Hjulmand, who had to do without the suspended Morten Hjulmand, was clearly visible: Musiala was attacked very early by the Danes, and the 21-year-old was hardly given any space.

Lightning, thunder and rain

During Germany's weak phase, thunder and lightning struck from the sky. Oliver interrupted the game in the 35th minute and both teams went into the dressing room in pouring rain. The mood of the spectators remained relaxed. Danish fans danced in the water falling from the stadium roof and many people tried to protect themselves from the rain with their flags.

Rasmus Hojlund (right) tested Manuel Neuer several times, but could not beat him. © ANSA / GEORGI LICOVSKI

After Oliver blew the whistle to restart the match at 21.59:37 p.m., the DFB team actually seemed to be getting into the game better. Schmeichel prevented the German team from taking the lead through Havertz, who headed a cross from a space that was a little too central towards the Danish goal (42'). Rasmus Højlund almost punished the DFB team's carelessness twice. The Manchester United striker stole the ball from Nico Schlotterbeck, who was dribbling in the penalty area, but shot just wide of the goal (45'). Shortly before half-time, Højlund was thwarted by Manuel Neuer (XNUMX').

No Danish goal, penalty for Germany

In the big German scare in the 48th minute, the Bayern goalkeeper had to accept the supposed goal after great confusion in the German defense. The offside position that spoke against Andersen's goal was extremely close.

A few minutes later, the Dane became a tragic figure: a cross from the area grazed the 28-year-old's hand. After viewing the video images with impulse graphics of the ball contact, Oliver awarded a penalty. Havertz converted safely, just as he did in the opening match against Scotland.

Kai Havertz (right) turns away in celebration. He has just scored the 1-0 for Germany. © APA/AFP / KENZO TRIBOUILLARD

After the next good opportunity for Højlund, which Neuer was on hand to deal with (66th minute), Schlotterbeck played a strong long ball into the path of Musiala, who left Schmeichel no chance. Germany went into the final phase with a reassuring lead, in which the Danes no longer posed a threat.