Euro 2024: Germany secures quarter-finals spot with victory over Denmark

Germany reached their first quarter-finals in four attempts at a major tournament with a 2-0 victory over Denmark in a storm-delayed match in Dortmund. Goals from Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala secured the win at Signal Iduna Park.

Meteorologists had warned of bad weather in the Ruhr region, and referee Michael Oliver suspended play for 20 minutes during the first half due to thunderstorms. By then, Germany had already seen Nico Schlotterbeck’s header ruled out after Joshua Kimmich blocked Andreas Skov Olsen.

Rasmus Hojlund missed two good chances for Denmark late in the first half. Crystal Palace defender Joachim Andersen thought he had scored, but Thomas Delaney was offside in the build-up. Moments later, VAR Stuart Atwell spotted a handball from Andersen, leading to a penalty that Havertz converted.

Germany’s second goal came when Schlotterbeck picked out Musiala, who fired across Kasper Schmeichel to secure the win. This sets up a quarter-final match against either Spain or Georgia.

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann made changes to the lineup, bringing in Schlotterbeck, David Raum, and Leroy Sane. Denmark’s Kasper Hjulmand switched to a 3-4-3 formation, bringing in Delaney and Skov Olsen.

Speaking on ITV, Roy Keane criticized Denmark’s goalkeeper Schmeichel, saying, “His starting position was OK but then Kasper hesitates in that split-second and makes the wrong decision. Once he started going back to his own goal, he was in trouble. It was a brilliant finish but hesitation cost him.”