Denmark’s national football team has lost only one of its last 15 international matches – 0:2 in November 2023 in Northern Ireland. For Germany, the EURO round of 16 on Saturday (9 p.m., Servus TV) in Dortmund does not seem to be a walk in the park. Perhaps there will be overtime. The English referee Michael Oliver has refereed three games for the DFB selection to date – all of which ended in a draw. Including the 2017 match in Copenhagen against Denmark (1:1).
“They are a very dangerous opponent. Physical, robust, strong in the air. We know that,” warns DFB sports director Rudi Völler, who describes the magnificent Signal-Iduna-Park and the home advantage as a big plus for Germany: “We want to take the atmosphere there with us. We feel the euphoria in the country, which helps us enormously.”
But with the expectations comes the pressure, which could play into the Danes’ hands. “It can’t get any bigger than that. Not many people are giving us a chance. But we have nothing to lose, we can play freely and we have already proven several times that we can challenge the top nations,” said captain Christian Eriksen. Kasper Hjulmand, the Scandinavian team manager, also speaks confidently: “We have played great games against big opponents before.”
Always a Schmeichel in goal
In 2021, the EURO journey only ended in the semi-finals at Wembley Stadium, while in 1992 Denmark exceeded their own expectations and won the title after returning from vacation – with a 2-0 win in the final against Germany.
Just like 32 years ago, a Schmeichel is in goal. Back then it was Peter, who was working for US television at EURO 2024, but this time it is his 37-year-old son Kasper, who looks forward to his 104th international match with respect: “Germany is a huge football nation.” But it is not invulnerable.
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Image: APA/AFP/FABRICE COFFRINI
Source: Nachrichten
I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
