On Saturday, June 29, the first matches of the 1/8 finals of Euro 2024 will take place. The German national team came out of first place in the group, but faced a very dangerous opponent – organized Denmark, semi-finalist from the last tournament.
Germany left a double impression. It all started with a perfect match against Scotland. Later it turned out that the British were one of the weakest teams in the tournament. Then there was a tense victory against Hungary. The opponent created enough scoring chances. But with Switzerland, many did not understand Julian Nagelsmann’s idea at all. The coach fielded the main team without allowing the leaders to rest. At the same time, the match turned out to be very difficult: only Füllkurg’s goal at the very end saved the game. In addition, Germany shows symptoms of a personnel disaster in the defense. First, the main central defender Ta received a second yellow card. The footballer will miss the match of the 1/8 finals. Secondly, Rüdiger’s condition is in question. The defender suffered minor injuries. The center of defense will be experimental anyway. This is a very great danger for Germany.
The Danes were extremely pragmatic in the group stage. The northerners managed to get out of the group with three draws, but they were in serious danger of not qualifying for the playoffs, as they had failed to beat Serbia. The match against England was the best in terms of quality of football, if you take both halves. Denmark certainly did not lose to Southgate’s team. Coach Kasper Humland’s tactics continue to bear fruit. An important asset for Denmark is the excellent form of Christian Eriksen. At the club, he had a different role, but in the national team, the footballer has again had the opportunity to get closer to the attack. Christian is so far one of the best attacking midfielders at the Euro. Denmark also knows how to defend well. The team has a clear penchant for low-level matches: in the last ten games, there has not been a single game with a total of more than three goals.
Denmark and Germany have rarely faced each other in recent years. At the same time, there is a four-match scheme: an exchange of goals. Germany does not have any interesting scoring streaks. Online bookmakers give very high odds on Denmark. The team is valued about the same as Switzerland, although at the time it was possible that the Germans would have a second team. An easy victory for the favorite is definitely not in sight. Nobody really seriously checked the Bundestim. The team was not yet under serious stress. And the problems on defense add to the anxiety. Most likely, the opponents will be separated by a maximum goal. It is unlikely that Germany would be able to defeat such an experienced and organized opponent.
Everyone is waiting only for the tournament hosts to win the Euro at home, but the pragmatic Danes are unlikely to agree with this situation. And the match against the English in the group showed that Kasper Hjulmand’s restraint tactic works. Germany will therefore certainly not be present at this meeting. But the Bundestim will still move forward.
Source: Sport
I’m Scott Moore, a professional writer and journalist based in the US. I’ve been writing for various publications for over 8 years now, and have been working as an author at athletistic for the past five years. My work has been featured by some of the leading sports websites and magazines across Europe.
