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Home > Germany Vs Denmark: Hosts Pile On Pressure After Schlotterbeck Has Goal Ruled Out

Germany Vs Denmark: Hosts Pile On Pressure After Schlotterbeck Has Goal Ruled Out

Denmark enjoyed their greatest day against Germany in the final of Euro 1992 and this evening in Dortmund they are hoping to prick the burgeoning confidence of the tournament hosts.

John Jensen and Kim Vilfort scored the goals in Gothenburg 32 years ago (with Jensen’s strike famously fooling Arsenal supporters that they were signing a prolific scorer from midfield). Denmark only qualified for the tournament because of the civil war in Yugoslavia, and it was then the Euros’ greatest upset, perhaps only matched by Greece’s triumph in 2004. Denmark and Germany have only played once in tournament football since, with Lukas Podolski and Lars Bender scoring in a 2-1 group stage win at Euro 2012.

Germany have looked one of the most impressive sides in this summer’s championship, perhaps second to only Spain when it comes to the quality of their performances. That said, they were not perfect in the group stage, requiring a late Niclas Fullkrug equaliser to avoid defeat against Switzerland. Julian Nagelsmann must decide whether to reward Fullkrug’s two tournament goals from the bench with a start, or to continue with Kai Havertz. The fact Nagelsmann said “a player doesn’t need to start to have a big role for the team” when asked about the selection dilemma hints he will stick with Havertz.

Denmark were solid if not spectacular with three draws in the group stage, but were the better team against England. They only scored two goals in three games though, and one of those was a long-range strike by midfielder Morten Hjulmand. Denmark use a back three with wing-backs, and much will depend on how much Joakim Maehle can get forward. If Germany do have a weakness, it is in the full-back positions. Denmark midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg will be tasked with screening passes into Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz.

Team news on the way shortly.