Host Germany battle one-time Champions Denmark at the Westfalenstadion in Dortmund on Saturday, June 29, 2024.
The 2024 European Championship is now in its defining stage, where teams exit the tournament as soon as they are defeated, while winners head into the next round.
Germany have been remarkable at Euro 2024, exuding class and showing that they have what it takes to win the title.
Well, Julian Nagelsmann’s side have only displayed their artistry thus far in the group stage and their fans will be hoping they can continue in the knockout phase.
They qualified out of Group A without a defeat, defeating Scotland in their opening game, before beating Hungary.
In their final group affair, the Die Mannschaft had to settle for a draw against Switzerland, who also made it to the last 16 unbeaten (1 Win, 2 Draws).
Just Like Germany, Denmark Also Qualified To The Last 16 Unbeaten
Denmark come into this fixture casually unbeaten, but they have failed to turn up thus far, having picked up three draws from three group games.
Kasper Hjulmand’s side made it to the last 16 after finishing 2nd in group C, with 3 points from 3 matches.
They played out a 1-1 draw in their opening group stage game against Slovenia, before settling for another 1-1 draw against Gareth Southgate’s England.
In their final group stage game, they shared the spoils with Serbia, after playing nil-nil for 90 minutes and additional time.
Despite having stars like the Manchester United duo of Christian Eriksen and Rasmus Højlund alongside Barcelona’s Andreas Christensen, Denmark are yet to get off the mark at Euro 2024.
Denmark are former champions of the European Championship, having won the tournament in 1992, defeating Germany 2-0 in the final played in Gothenburg, Sweden.
This certainly indicates that both teams will be battling for pride when they meet on Saturday, June 29, 2024.
Germany will be banking on the brilliance of players like Jamal Musiala, Toni Kroos, Forian Wirtz, and Manuel Neuer amongst others to help them secure a place in the last 8.
Germany Vs Denmark Recent Meetings
Both teams have played out 3 draws in their last four meetings, but the Die Mannschaft can hope for a repeat of their outing against Denmark in 2012, having defeated the Danes 2-1 in the group stage.
The two teams have met 28 times previously, with Germany winning 15 and Denmark securing 8 victories.
The encounter has ended in a draw on 5 separate occasions – much of which have come in their recent meetings.
It will be fascinating to see where the pendulum would swing in this high-octane affair in view.
Team News For Germany
Germany will be forced into at least one change in defense, and possibly two, as Jonathan Tah is suspended after picking up two yellow cards in the group stage.
Antonio Rudiger is also struggling with a thigh problem which has been tagged as “problematic” by boss Julian Nagelsmann.
Nico Schlotterbeck is expected to deputize in place of Tah at center-back, with VFB Stuttgart defender Waldemar Anton potentially coming in too if Rudiger is unavailable for the fixture.
There should likely not be many changes to the XI, as Fullkrug likely has to settle for a place on the bench again despite his goal against Switzerland.
Team News For Denmark
Denmark had Thomas Delaney back in the squad against Serbia after illness and he could play a bigger role in the last 16 affair against Germany, with midfielder Morten Hjulmand suspended.
Brentford’s Christian Norgaard is also an option to start, while Rasmus Hojlund is expected to still be at the heart of their attack.
Germany possible starting lineup:
Neuer; Kimmich, Schlotterbeck, Rudiger, Mittelstadt; Kroos, Andrich; Musiala, Gundogan, Wirtz; Havertz
Denmark possible starting lineup:
Schmeichel; Andersen, Christensen, Vestergaard; Bah, Hojbjerg, Delaney, Maehle; Eriksen; Hojlund, Wind
Prediction: Germany 2-1 Denmark
Kick-off Time And Date: 08:00 PM (WAT), June 29, 2024.
