Germany Aim to Avoid Upset as Denmark Looms in Euro 2024 Last 16

Germany, the hosts of Euro 2024, will face Denmark in the last 16 on Saturday in Dortmund. The Germans are hoping to avoid a repeat of their disappointing 1-1 draw with Switzerland in their final group stage match.

After impressive victories over Scotland and Hungary, Germany's hopes were dashed against Switzerland. They were on the verge of defeat before Niclas Fuellkrug's stoppage-time header salvaged a draw and secured first place in the group.

The draw served as a wake-up call for the hosts, who are aiming for their fourth Euros title. Coach Julian Nagelsmann acknowledged that there is still much work to be done.

Germany's trophy cabinet may be more impressive than Denmark's, but the Danes famously defeated them in the Euro 1992 final. Denmark's triumph, after failing to qualify and then being admitted following Yugoslavia's exclusion, became a fairytale. However, Germany still regrets underestimating the Danes.

Berti Vogts, a Euros and World Cup winner as a player, coached Germany in that 1992 final. He admitted in a recent column that his team "underestimated" Denmark.

"In 1992, we lost the Euros final against a great Danish team even though we were the favorites," he wrote. "Everyone thought we had the title in the bag, unfortunately, some players did too."

Denmark, a 2020 semi-finalist, resembles Switzerland in many ways, with a well-drilled team and several talented players at top clubs. Vogts warned that the current Danish team may not have the same quality as their 1992 counterparts, but the pressure is on Germany.

"The Danes were hungry for success and carefree, they just played football and took us by surprise," Vogts said. "The German team should not make that mistake now. The Switzerland game was therefore an important warning shot."

Germany has won five and drawn two of their seven games in 2024, thanks in part to Nagelsmann's consistent starting XI. However, the policy has cost them center-back Jonathan Tah for the Denmark clash after he picked up a second yellow card against Switzerland.

Nico Schlotterbeck, Borussia Dortmund's talented but unpredictable central defender, will replace Tah on Saturday. Antonio Rudiger is also doubtful for the clash with a hamstring injury.

Schlotterbeck expressed confidence in Germany's preparation for the match. "We know actually everything about the Danes," he said. "The whole match plan, defense, offense. We know about Denmark and how we will play them."

Nagelsmann may consider replacing Arsenal forward Kai Havertz with Niclas Fuellkrug, who has scored twice off the bench so far. Fuellkrug, who made his debut at the age of 29 in 2022, has 13 goals to Havertz's seven.

Fuellkrug downplayed his role as a supersub, saying, "The title is so much more important than the individual."

Tags: #Euro2024, #Germany, #Denmark, #JulianNagelsmann, #NiclasFuellkrug