As the host nation, Germany is gearing up to leverage the electrifying atmosphere in Dortmund when they face Denmark in the Round of 16 this Saturday at Euro 2024. Both teams have maintained unblemished records throughout the group stage, with Germany securing two victories and Denmark drawing three intense matches.
Despite their strong performances, Germany is looking to overcome a lingering challenge: they haven't won a knockout game in a major international tournament since Euro 2016. On the other hand, Denmark boasts their second-best Euros result in 2021, reaching the semifinals, with both teams previously bowing out to England in the last tournament.
Germany will miss their center-back Jonathan Tah due to suspension, with Nico Schlotterbeck stepping in. Additionally, the team faces potential setbacks with Antonio Rudiger's hamstring injury, possibly making way for Waldemar Anton to make his Euro 2024 debut.
Denmark isn't without their challenges either. Midfielder Morten Hjulmand is suspended, and both Christian Eriksen and Thomas Delaney missed Friday's training session due to “stomach issues,” although Eriksen is expected to play against Germany.
Germany's coach, Julian Nagelsmann, expressed confidence in utilizing the home crowd's energy, saying, \"I have always been here as the away team and it felt like the match started 1-0 for Dortmund because the crowd is so loud. I hope we get a similar pressure coming from the stands for our opponent.\"
Denmark's coach, Kasper Hjulmand, echoed the excitement, stating, \"I really love football here in Germany. And playing against Germany there, with the Danish team, can't be better, I can't wait. It's a great team. But we are a great team as well. And when we play big nations we always step up.\"
With both teams eager to advance, Saturday's match promises to be a thrilling encounter filled with strategy, passion, and high stakes.
Reference(s):
Germany aim to ride host-nation buzz against Denmark at Euro 2024
cgtn.com
