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Germany secured a 2-0 win against Denmark in the tournament's second round of 16 match at UEFA Euro 2024 on Saturday, June 29.
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The Germans made an electric start to the game as they looked to try and grab an early goal to help settle the nerves. They used both flanks and central areas well, causing confusion as to where they were going to hit their opponents. Nico Schlotterbeck appeared to have given his team the perfect start with a powerful header to make it 1-0 from Toni Kroos' cross after three minutes.
However, the goal was ruled out for pushing by Joshua Kimmich in the build-up. Schlotterbeck and Kimmich attempted a shot each moments later but Kasper Schmeichel did well to keep them out. Kai Havertz had a couple of chances as well but could only manage tame efforts goalwards. Germany attempted eight shots and had five of those on target.
Denmark, on the other hand, had to wait until late in the first period for their first real chance. Christian Eriksen released Thomas Delaney into space, with the midfielder laying the ball off to Rasmus Hojlund as his chipped attempt was saved by Neuer with the teams deadlocked 0-0 at half-time.
Joachim Andersen seemed to have given Denmark the perfect start to the second half after he drilled home a shot from close-range to make it 1-0. However, the Crystal Palace defender was fractionally offside and the goal was canceled after a VAR check. Andersen soon became the villain as he conceded a penalty for handball which Kai Havertz made it 1-0 from after 53 minutes.
Shortly after, the Arsenal man missed a chance to make it 2-0 but that soon became a reality for Germany. Schlotterbeck released Jamal Musiala through on goal and the Bayern Munich man tucked the ball into the back of the net with a composed finish after 68 minutes. The hosts had another chance in second-half stoppage time which Florian Wirtz scored from.
However, the goal was ruled out for offside in the build-up as Denmark were spared their blushes, but were still eliminated from Euro 2024. Having said that, let's take a look at Germany's player ratings.
Germany Player Ratings
Manuel Neuer - 7/10
Neuer had a decent game as he made two saves and distributed the ball with 75% accuracy.
Joshua Kimmich - 7.5/10
Kimmich often ventured forward and even attempted two early shots with one of them on target from long-range. He also played one key pass, won two duels and and made one interception and one tackle.
Antonio Rudiger - 8.5/10
Rudiger won all three of his duels, making four clearances, four blocks, two interceptions and two tackles along the way. He also played one key pass in a stellar defensive performance for Germany.
Nico Schlotterbeck - 8/10
Schlotterbeck was solid at the back as well as he won six duels, making five clearances, two interceptions and one tackle. He also played one key pass.
David Raum - 7/10
Raum often ventured forward from the left as his team's outlet and played two key passes and one cross. He also won two duels and made one tackle.
Robert Andrich - 7/10
Andrich had a decent game in midfield for Germany.
Toni Kroos - 7.5/10
Kroos distributed the ball with 96% accuracy, including four key passes and three crosses. He also won two duels, making two clearances and one interception.
Leroy Sane - 7/10
Sane had a disappointing outing as he was unable to make an attacking impact on the game as he failed to play any key passes or crosses. He did win five duels and complete three dribbles, though.
Ilkay Gundogan - 6.5/10
Gundogan had a decent game as he passed the ball with 84% accuracy and won two duels.
Jamal Musiala - 7.5/10
Musiala had a good game for his team as he passed the ball with 85% accuracy. He attempted two shots and scored with the one that was on target. Musiala also completed two dribbles and won six duels.
Kai Havertz - 6.5/10
Despite scoring from the spot, Havertz could have had three or four more goals with the positions he got into but could not convert. He also won five duels and made three clearances.
Substitutes
Emre Can - 6.5/10
Can replaced Andrich in the second half and put in a composed performance for Germany.
Niclas Fullkrug - 6.5/10
Fullkrug replaced Gundogan in the second period and had a decent outing.
Benjamin Henrichs - 6.5/10
Henrichs replaced Raum in the 80th minute and helped his teammates keep Denmark at bay.
Florian Wirtz - 7/10
Wirtz had a late goal ruled out for offside but put in a good cameo.
Waldemar Anton - N/A
Anton came in late in the game and did not play enough minutes to warrant a rating.
