Germany vs Denmark: Germany make it through to the quarterfinals! Initial reactions and observations

Germany vs Denmark: Germany make it through to the quarterfinals! Initial reactions and observations

Initial reactions and observations

• Julian Nagelsmann has unlocked the perfect squad for Germany. Bar a few changes, such as benching Leroy Sane, the players on the pitch today accomplished what the squad as a whole has been trying to achieve this whole competition. The defense was incredible together, the midfield was the glue everyone needed, and the strikers were close to phenomenal.
• Close to? Yes. The inconsistency. The only thing Leroy Sané is consistent about, is being inconsistent. Nagelsmann needs to bench the man, and instead start Niclas Füllkrug along with Kai Havertz. Havertz actually had a very very good game today, and he needs to pick it up from here.
• If Germany can avoid the silly mistakes and errors that they made today, they can make it very far into the tournament and even win the whole thing. Nico Schlotterbeck did an incredible job at the back today, but the few errors here and there would have saved everyone a lot of trouble.
• All in all, Germany had a very solid game today, and if they can keep up the tempo and the quality of football, they could win the cup at home.

Looking for more thoughts and analysis on Germany’s 2-0 victory over Denmark? Good, then we have you covered with our Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show where we cover the starting lineup selection, a rundown of the scoring and substitutions, and takes on how it all played out. You can get the podcast on Spotify or below:

90+5’ — The final whistle is blown and Germany ends Denmark’s Euros dream.

69’ — GOAL!!! Musiala makes it two for Germany! Icy cold finish from the Bayern Munich youngster doubles the lead.

53’ — GOAL!!!! Kai Havertz scores the penalty and gives Germany the lead! Schmeichel dives the right way but couldn’t reach far enough.

51’ — Penalty given for a handball in Denmark’s box. Germany has the chance to take the lead now.

49’ — Andersen’s goal has been disallowed due to the Danish player being offside.

48’ — Goal. Joachim Andersen scores for Denmark. Michael Oliver is getting it reviewed by VAR for a possible offside.

45’ — Second half begins! No substitutions for either squad.

45’ — Half time. Germany and Denmark go into the break with no goals, but plenty of chances.

35’ — Game resumes! Michael Oliver has given the all clear.

35’ — Game stopped due to inclement weather in Dortmund. A thunderstorm is passing through.

4’ — Schlotterbeck scores from a corner, but VAR rules it out (for some reason).

Kickoff: We’re underway!

One hour until kickoff: We have lineups! Somehow, Julian Nagelsmann has benched Niclas Füllkrug yet again. In his place, Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sané is added to the starting XI, and Florian Wirtz misses out. Nico Schlotterbeck, meanwhile, replaces the suspended Jonathan Tah in defense, and David Raum replaces Maximilian Mittelstädt.

Germany came into this tournament with low expectations and a lot of pessimism. The specter of almost a decade of failure at the international stage had soured perceptions of the national team and those who play for it.

Coming into the knockout phase of Euro 2024, opinions on the Germans have shifted immensely. Impressive performances in the group stage have served to dispel the air of pessimism surrounding the team, and Julian Nagelsmann’s careful coaching has people asking — can they actually do it? With players like Jamal Musiala, Toni Kroos, Robert Andrich, and the rest of the starters all working together as a cohesive unit, Germany look like a team that can go far.

They just need to prove it. That’s what this game is for. A make-or-break moment — can this new look German team win a knockout game for the first time since Euro 2016?

While you’re waiting for the game, why not check out our preview podcast? Listen to it below or on Spotify.

Match Info

Location: Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund, Germany

Time: 9:00 pm local time, 3:00 pm EST

TV/streaming: Find Your Country

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