Germany Vs Denmark (Dortmund, 21:00)
Germany versus Denmark is the second game confirmed for the Euros Round of 16. The knockout match will be played at Signal Iduna Park, the home stadium of Borussia Dortmund, this year’s Champions League finalists.
Germany have topped their group but not comfortably, as it was only possible thanks to a last-minute goal from Niclas Füllkrug against Switzerland. Many had ruled Switzerland out at the start of the tournament, but despite this, they have managed to book themselves a place in the next round.
Performance in the Group Stage
Germany kicked off the Euros in style, dominating Scotland 5-1 in their opening game. They then defeated Hungary by two goals while keeping a clean sheet, despite many anticipating this to be a close game.
Fans expected them to end their Group Stage campaign with three wins out of three, but Switzerland proved to be a formidable opponent in their last tie. Germany conceded first in the 28th minute against the Swiss, but they were able to salvage a draw thanks to substitute Niclas Füllkrug. The Dortmund forward also scored from the bench in Germany’s first game and might prove pivotal for Germany in this tournament.
Like Germany, fans also anticipated Denmark qualifying for the next round, and while they have done so, they have yet to win a game in this tournament. Denmark only has three points, but they were able to qualify along with third-place Slovenia. Denmark survived a very bland group where no team managed to score more than two goals.
Match Analysis
Germany has had one of the best attacks in the tournament this year, scoring eight goals in three matches. However, their main striker, Kai Havertz, is not as efficient as his team would have liked him to be, and their only actual number nine has started all games on the bench so far.
Most of Germany’s goals have come from the midfield, with a number of different contributors to the tally. Their link-up play has been very strong so far, and they must improve on their last performance if they expect a result in Round 16.
Despite making it to the next stage, Denmark have been underwhelming. Their best performance was arguably against England, but they only managed to get a draw thanks to a wonderful goal from Sporting CP’s Morten Hjulmand. Surprisingly, every team in Group C has decided to bring forward a defensive strategy. While this might be one way the underdogs can get away with a win, it is unlikely to work against Germany on their home turf.
Players to Watch:
- Jamal Musiala: The young German is one of the tournament's top players, scoring two goals. Musiala’s contributions are always key for any team he plays for, but they are not just about his direct goal contributions.
Musiala was the man of the match in the tournament's opening game, and he consistently delivered in the next two games as well. The youngster is one of the hot prospects in the world of football, and he is one of the players to keep an eye out on in this tie.
- Antonio Rudiger: The Real Madrid defender has received praise for his performances throughout this year. His defensive skills helped his club win their 15th Champions League, and he undoubtedly offers the same skills to his national team. Despite scoring an own goal in the first game, Rudiger has been phenomenal in defence.
The player has made various offensive contributions with his physical presence and even his passes, which is unorthodox for a defender, but that is precisely the reason why he is such a joy to watch on the field.
- Christian Eriksen: Eriksen had a major health scare in the last tournament, so him being here really is wonderful to see.
The Manchester United man scored Denmark’s first goal of the tournament, earning his team a precious point that proved key in their qualification. His strategic position just behind the two strikers allows him to orchestrate the play, which he has done his whole career, making him a player to watch.
Match Prediction
While Germany might have shown some vulnerabilities in their last game, they still have one of the better records among most top teams in the Euros this year. Denmark are comparatively poor with their performances and you would have to say playing the Germans in their country in a major tournament is one hell of a test.
We expect Germany to cruise past Denmark in their first knockout game and advance to the quarter-finals, where they might face their first true test.