In an enthralling clash in Dortmund’s Westfalenstadion, Germany triumphed over Denmark with a 2-0 victory on a night filled with electric excitement. This victory propelled them into the Euro 2024 quarterfinals, seeing them prepped to face either Spain or Georgia.
Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala netted their respective goals in the second half, though it took a bit more time than usual. Their scoring began when Christian Eriksen launched a free-kick into Germany’s penalty area around the 48th minute. The ball was kept in play by Denmark’s Jannik Vestergaard.
Then came a significant moment in football history involving Joachim Andersen. The towering Crystal Palace defender played the ball past the German goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer. To his dismay, this was adjudged offside by English referee Michael Oliver who found no fault with Thomas Delaney.
Germany relentlessly pressurised Kasper Schmeichel’s goal. Julian Nagelsmann’s strategic gameplay allowed David Raum freedom, attracting all Danish players. When the ball hit Andersen’s arm during Raum’s crossing, Oliver and VAR awarded a penalty to Germany.
A silence filled the stadium as Kai Havertz prepared to take the shot. He did a stutter step, hesitated before driving a low shot to Schmeichel’s left, marking Germany’s first goal.
Germany’s second goal came in the 68th minute via Jamal Musiala who skillfully curved his shot after receiving a long pass. Thus, sealing the 2-0 victory.
This thrilling bout began in pandemonium after a massive thunderstorm caused a delay of 23 minutes. When play resumed, the German squad relentlessly attacked the Danish goal. Germany showed their prowess, pushing the Danish defence to its limits.
Just past half time, it was already 10.11pm local time. However, it already felt like they had been playing all night. This was a match to remember.
The unexpected loss of control by Musiala at the heart of the Denmark zone was a boon for Eriksen, who made a deft pass for Delaney, invading the German penalty area. A direct footrace ensued between Rasmus Højlund, a Manchester United forward, and Manuel Neuer, the experienced German goalie. Højlund’s effort to out-vigil Neuer proved futile, allowing Robert Andrich to boot the ball clear.
Play at the Westfalenstadion was paused at the 35-minute mark of the round of 16 clash by Oliver. A thunderstorm struck Borussia Dortmund’s home ground, with lighting impacting the stadium’s upper stanchion, leading to strong gales and intense rainfall. Players, officials, and fans in the lower stands sought refuge.
The Danish players’ swift response to the potentially dangerous situation harked back to 2009 when Jonathan Richter, following a lightning strike, lost a leg segment. Kasper Hjulmand, the present Danish coach, helmed Richter’s team at FC Nordsjælland at the time.
The match was put on hold for a quarter minus two minutes due to the harsh weather conditions. The deadlock on the pitch was mirrored on the scoreboard, at 0-0 when the match got halted at 20:36, as per Irish local time. By 20:44, water was cascading down on Danish spectators at both ends of the stadium. The teams resumed onfield activities at 20:55. Following a brief warm-up, at 20:59, the game kicked off again with the ball delivered at Toni Kroos’s feet by Oliver.
Denmark seemed destined for demise via relentless corner kicks, or Tod durch Fußballecken. The Germans attacked with a desire for a swift and relentless triumph, but Schmeichel proved equal to the cannon-like shots of Havertz and Josua Kimmich, along with Nico Schlotterbeck’s arching header.
Schlotterbeck’s early goal was vetoed due to Kimmich’s foul on Andreas Skov Olsen observed by the officials. Eriksen had another go at breaking the impasse, managing a wild pass, but his attempt was thwarted by Antonio Rudiger. The pouring rain ushered in Denmark’s goal by Anderson, ruled invalid. Havertz and Musiala seized their opportunities next. The scoreline might have read 3-0, or even 4-0, but Havertz, and Leroy Sane didn’t capitalize on their opportunities.
Drawing parallels with Sommermärchen – the period when Germany ascended to the 2006 World Cup semi-final on home ground – may have appeared premature, but no longer.
Currently, the German squad is carrying its unique spark, and with Kross standing in as Zeus, spectators are entirely immersed in reviving a magnificent era of their footballing past.