Dramatic Victory for Host Nation
A Kai Havertz penalty and a Jamal Musiala strike secured Germany a 2-0 victory over Denmark on Saturday. This win propels the host nation into the Euro 2024 quarter-finals after an intense match that was delayed for nearly half an hour due to a severe storm. The drama unfolded in Dortmund, with Havertz calmly converting a penalty early in the second half following a handball by Denmark’s Joachim Andersen. Moments earlier, Andersen had a goal disallowed at the other end.
Unpredictable Weather Adds to the Drama
At one point, the game faced potential abandonment as English referee Michael Oliver halted play in the 35th minute, taking both teams off the pitch to wait out the violent storm. Torrential rain, hailstones, high winds, thunder, and lightning caused a 25-minute delay before the match could resume. This memorable night concluded with Germany passing a significant test, keeping alive their dream of winning the trophy in Berlin on July 14.
Germany’s Path Forward
Julian Nagelsmann’s team now faces a tougher challenge, heading to Stuttgart for a quarter-final next Friday against either Spain or Georgia. “In the end, it was a game full of adversity. We fought well against the adversity,” Germany coach Nagelsmann told broadcaster Magenta. Defender Nico Schlotterbeck added, “We’re playing with euphoria, we’re playing with fun and that’s when football is the most beautiful.”
Denmark’s Disappointment
Denmark, who famously defeated Germany in the 1992 European Championship final, exited the tournament without a win, having qualified from their group with three draws. Coach Kasper Hjulmand voiced his frustration over the two key VAR decisions that went against his team. “It’s not how we are supposed to be using VAR. It’s one centimetre,” he lamented about the offside call against Andersen. “And one minute later there was a penalty. I’m so tired of the ridiculous handball rules.”
Early Frustrations and Disallowed Goals
Nagelsmann made three changes to the Germany side following their 1-1 draw with Switzerland. Schlotterbeck replaced the suspended Jonathan Tah in defense, David Raum started at left-back, and Leroy Sane was preferred over Florian Wirtz on the right wing. Schlotterbeck thought he had given Germany an early lead, but his goal was disallowed due to a foul by Joshua Kimmich.
Danish Defense Holds Firm
Denmark’s goalkeeper, Kasper Schmeichel, thwarted Germany’s early efforts, saving a Kimmich drive and a Havertz volley. As the weather-induced break ended and play resumed, Germany increased the pressure. Havertz’s header from a Raum cross was saved by Schmeichel, whose father had played in the 1992 final. Denmark threatened on the counter-attack, with Rasmus Hojlund forcing a save from Manuel Neuer.
Key VAR Decisions
The second half began with more VAR drama. On 48 minutes, Andersen’s goal was disallowed due to an offside call against Thomas Delaney. Shortly after, Germany attacked, and a Raum cross struck Andersen’s hand in the area. The referee awarded a penalty after a VAR check, and Havertz converted it, scoring his second penalty of the tournament.
Musiala Seals the Win
Havertz and Sane missed opportunities to extend Germany’s lead before Musiala capitalized on a ball over the top, scoring his third goal of the Euros and becoming the joint-top scorer alongside Georgia’s Georges Mikautadze. Substitute Wirtz had a late goal disallowed for offside, but Germany’s momentum remains strong as they advance to the quarter-finals.
Germany’s victory over Denmark, despite the weather challenges and VAR controversies, showcases their resilience and determination. As the host nation continues their quest for Euro 2024 glory, they will face increasingly tough opposition, but their current form suggests they are well-equipped to rise to the challenge.
