EM 2024 - From conceding a goal to a handball in two VAR minutes: Germany advance to the quarterfinals
The German EM-Party went on after an extraordinary football evening with outstanding goals from penalty taker Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala. In a 2:0 against stubborn Danes, the national team had to first endure anxious video minutes due to a lightning, thunderstorm and heavy rain before storming into the quarterfinals.
In his 50th appearance, Havertz remained calm in the 53rd minute and overcame the previously unbeatable goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel. The video assistant had detected a handball by Joachim Andersen, who had scored for Denmark just before that. A scary moment, as the video evidence led to the 0:1 being disallowed due to an offside position.
"Oh, how beautiful"
Musiala relieved Bundestrainer Julian Nagelsmann and the crowd with his third tournament goal in the 68th minute. "Oh how beautiful," sang the fans. Germany dreams of a fourth EM title.
The coming Friday, at 18:00 hours, it could come to the great European championship test in Stuttgart against Spain. The strongest team of the tournament must first master the Achtelfinale against the clear outsider Georgia on Sunday evening.
Germany was clearly the better team in the first 20 minutes. The Danes barely managed to get out of their own half and could thank their goalkeeper Schmeichel that the first German goals did not fall early. The 37-year-old thwarted chances from Kimmich, Schlotterbeck (both 7.), and Havertz, who converted a strong pass from the recovered defensive chief Antonio Rudiger (10.).
DFB-Team played offensively very variably
The DFB-Team, energetically led by Nagelsmann from the sidelines, played offensively very variably, but also made frequent errors in the build-up play. Denmark's star player Christian Eriksen came into the game better. A tactical instruction from Danish national coach Kasper Hjulmand, who had to do without the suspended Morten Hjulmand, was clear to see: Musiala was attacked very early by the Danes, the 21-year-old had little room.
The German weakness phase was then illuminated and lit up from the sky, Oliver interrupted the game in the 35th minute, both teams went into the cabin in heavy rain. The mood of the spectators remained tense, Danish fans danced in the rainwater pouring from the stadium roof, many people tried to protect themselves from the rain with their flags. In the VIP area, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz looked on.
After the restart by Oliver at 21:59 hours, it seemed that the DFB-Team was coming into the game better. Schmeichel prevented the German lead through Havertz, who headed towards the Danish goal a bit too centrally after a wing pass (37.). Twice Rasmus Højlund came close to punishing the negligence of the DFB-Team. The striker from Manchester United was lurking on Nico Schlotterbeck, who went into dribbling in the penalty area, took the ball away, but shot just wide of the goal (42.). Shortly before half-time, Højlund came close to scoring against the reacting Manuel Neuer (45.).
In the major German shock moment in the 48th minute, Bayern goalkeeper Neuer had to concede a goal due to great confusion in the German defense. The offside position against Andersen's goal was incredibly close.
Unlucky ball contact
In the 48th minute, the German defense was in great confusion, and Neuer had to concede a goal. The offside position against Andersen's goal was incredibly close.
A few minutes later, the Dane became the tragic figure: A room-flank brushed the hand of the 28-year-old, according to the video images with impulse graphics of the ball contact, Oliver decided on a penalty shot. Havertz converted just as in the opening game against Scotland, Nagelsmann shouted his joy out at the sideline.
After 63 minutes, the national trainer brought in Dortmund's Emre Can and Füllkrug for the team, one for defense, the other for support. After the next good opportunity for Højlund, where Neuer was in position (66), Schlotterbeck played a strong long ball into Musiala's run, who gave Schmeichel no chance. Germany went into the closing phase with a calming leadership, in which the Danes were no longer dangerous.
The rainfall did not dampen Joachim Andersen's spirit as he continued playing for Denmark despite the heavy downpour. Havertz's 50th appearance for Germany was marked by a crucial hand penalty decision against Andersen, resulting in a disallowed goal due to an offside position. Denmark's dream of an equalizer was short-lived as Nico Schlotterbeck launched a powerful long ball for Musiala, leading to Germany's second goal and a 2-0 lead over Denmark. Spain awaits Germany in the upcoming European championship test in Stuttgart, and the German DFB squad must first overcome the Achtelfinale against Georgia, a clear outsider in the tournament.
Despite the heavy rain, Germany showcased their dominance in the opening 20 minutes, creating several chances against Denmark's goalkeeper Schmeichel, who managed to thwart Kimmich, Schlotterbeck, and Havertz's attempts. The lack of precision in Germany's build-up play resulted in frequent errors, allowing Denmark's star player Christian Eriksen to gain momentum. The German weakness phase was highlighted by Oliver's intervention, and both teams left the pitch in heavy rain to regroup.
Upon resuming play, Neuer prevented Germany from taking the lead due to Havertz's centrally-directed header. Rasmus Højlund came close to capitalizing on the DFB-Team's negligence, but his shots went wide. Just before half-time, Højlund came close to equalizing, but he was denied by a quick reaction from Neuer. Germany suffered a major setback in the 48th minute when Bayern goalkeeper Neuer conceded a goal due to great confusion in the German defense. However, Andersen became the tragic figure as a room-flank brush against his hand resulted in a penalty shot decision in Germany's favor. Havertz converted the penalty, capitalizing on the opportunity to bring Germany closer to their fourth EM title.
In the latter stages of the game, Dortmund's Emre Can and Füllkrug were introduced into the match as Germany sought to maintain their lead. Despite a good opportunity for Højlund, Germany managed to maintain control and silence Denmark's threats, securing their 2-0 victory and advancing to the European championship quarterfinals.
