For the first time in eight years, Germany punched their ticket to the quarterfinals of Euro 2024. Goals from Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala led the hosts to a 2-0 victory over Denmark on Saturday at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund.
Germany seized control from the opening whistle. They believed they had scored just four minutes in, but Nico Schlotterbeck’s goal was disallowed due to a prior foul.
Denmark’s goalie, Kasper Schmeichel, was kept busy. He thwarted dangerous strikes from Joshua Kimmich and Havertz as Germany hunted for the lead.
The rhythm of the game was disrupted when severe weather paused the match at the 30-minute mark.
Upon resumption, Germany should have netted the opener. However, Havertz couldn’t beat Schmeichel with his header, and Schlotterbeck’s header hit the side netting.
Denmark came alive late in the first half but couldn’t capitalize as Rasmus Højlund failed to best Germany’s keeper, Manuel Neuer, on a counterattack.
After halftime, Denmark’s Joachim Andersen saw his goal annulled for offside, flagged by Thomas Delaney.
Andersen stayed in the thick of action. His handball in the box granted Germany a penalty, and Havertz converted to break the deadlock in the 53rd minute.
Havertz had another chance moments later but was again denied by Schmeichel in a one-on-one.
Denmark threw caution to the wind and pressed forward. Yet, Neuer was up to the task, denying Højlund’s effort on target in the 66th minute.
Schmeichel was powerless two minutes later when Schlotterbeck set up Musiala, whose curling shot nestled into the top right corner, sealing the win.
Denmark failed to rebound from the second hit, while Germany squandered several finishing opportunities in the closing stages.
“We started strong and scored early,” said Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann. “The weather break made it chaotic, but we showed resilience. We could have bagged more goals, though.”
Germany will face either Spain or Georgia in the quarterfinals on July 5.
