5 Key Takeaways - Denmark vs Germany

When the two final matches in Group B began last night, nobody knew what was going to happen. After two really entertaining games, Germany and Portugal have made it through to the next round.

As predicted, the Germans have been very strong, winning all three group games. Last night, they won against a determined Danish side that raised a few eyebrows defeating Netherlands. Here are the key takeaways from that game.

1. The Danish forwards deserve respect

Nobody knew a Michael Krohn-Dehli before this tournament began but now he has become a household name. He scored two goals and was ever present in the Danish forward line. His strength in the air was also exceptional and he nearly took his team into the next stages.

Despite the “PaddyPower”, Nicklas Bendtner was exceptional. He scored twice against Portugal and was the creator of the Krohn-Dehli goal against Germany.

Krohn-Dehli and Bendtner were far superior in the tournament than a certain van Persie or a Huntelaar. If they were placed in any other group, they could have made it to the next stage.

2. The German forward line is connecting

It was Mario Gomez‘s brilliance that gave Germany two wins out of two games. Their forward line never got into sync like it did in the 2010 World Cup. Last night, it was much better.

Podolski and Muller were much better than their last outing. It was Muller’s cross that resulted in Gomez back heeling the ball to Podolski to give Germany its first goal. Muller was also very close to scoring early on in the game. Ozil too was always present on the field switching from the hole to the flanks. With over 60% of possession and 12 shots, the German forward line is finally connecting.

3. Daniel Agger – Take a Bow!

10 interceptions, 8 clearances. That means Daniel Agger was in the right place at the right time for a staggering 18 times during the game.

Every single time the Germans tried to do something, Agger was in their way. He never got tired and was ever present for the whole 90 minutes. The Germans made 12 attempts at goal and you can be sure that at least 4-5 of them would have succeeded if it was not for Daniel Agger.

Right throughout the tournament, Agger was impressive. He deserves the credit.

4. The hole in the German defense

The German defense didn’t do much wrong last night. They only allowed two shots on target and Lars Bender at right back was pretty impressive. He made clearances, interceptions, neat tackles and was strong in the air.

But, there is a gaping hole in their defense. It is obviously in defending set pieces. Denmark’s only goal last night came from a set piece. When you look at the highlights, it might be easy to blame Holger Badstuber. But he isn’t the only culprit.

Bendtner had to redirect the ball to Krohn-Dehli before he could score. But Bendtner was unmarked. Yes, it was a well scripted set piece routine by the Danes but how could you leave possibly the only threat of the Danish forward line unmarked?

After Bendtner headed the ball, there wasn’t much that anyone could do. Germany have possibly one of the best defensive line in Europe with Lahm, Hummels and Badstuber. If they fix this problem, there are not many teams that can get through them.

5. Germany can do it

Rather than dangerous, the word should be ‘efficient’. They have a perfect forward line, a really good defense and two really good defensive midfielders in Sami Khedira and Bastian Schweinsteiger. In the quarter finals, they will face Greece, whom Germany should easily dispatch.

From then, there are only two matches. The equation looks really simple for Germany at this moment. If Mario Gomez keeps his form, then they won’t have any problems scoring goals. In the semi-finals and finals, they might face teams like England, France, Italy or Spain. Aside from Spain, they are talented than all the other teams.

The Germans are in top form and it will take some beating to oust them now.