DORTMUND, Germany (AP) — Patriotism is soaring high in Germany as the host nation secured a spot in the Euro 2024 quarterfinals after a dramatic and rain-soaked victory against Denmark on Saturday.
German fans, who initially braved a severe thunderstorm that halted play for 25 minutes with rain and hail, erupted in jubilation, chanting “We’re going to Berlin.” Their team capitalized on two consecutive Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decisions to clinch a 2-0 win in Dortmund. These victories bring Germany closer to the final in Berlin on July 14, potentially turning their Euro 2024 journey into an unexpected fairy tale after recent disappointing performances in major tournaments.
The match against Denmark was far from straightforward. The early excitement was dampened when Danish defender Joachim Andersen appeared to score in the 50th minute, which would have put Denmark ahead at 0-0. However, VAR intervened, spotting an offside in the buildup, nullifying the goal. Moments later, a cross from David Raum struck Andersen’s outstretched arm in the penalty area. VAR was again consulted, and this time a penalty was awarded to Germany. Kai Havertz successfully converted the penalty, and Jamal Musiala extended Germany’s lead in the 68th minute, scoring his third goal of the tournament, putting him level with Georgia’s Georges Mikautadze as top scorer.
“We played a super game – we had crazy fans again today,” expressed Germany defender Nico Schlotterbeck. “We’re playing with euphoria, we’re playing with fun, and that’s the most beautiful thing about football.”
This win marks Germany’s first knockout stage victory in a major tournament since 2016. The national team had previously struggled, failing to progress beyond the group stage in the last two World Cups and being eliminated in the round of 16 at Euro 2021 by England.
Germany is now set to face either Spain or Georgia in the quarterfinals, joining Switzerland as the second team to advance from the round of 16, following Switzerland’s 2-0 victory over defending champions Italy earlier on Saturday.
Germany’s coach, Julian Nagelsmann, revealed to German broadcaster ZDF that the rain delay provided an opportunity to review the first half-hour of the game with his players. He felt his team had dominated this period, showcasing their best football of the tournament so far.
As thunder, lightning, and torrential rain descended, players retreated to the locker room. Spectators in the front rows sought shelter higher in the stands, many using their black-yellow-and-red flags, initially intended to welcome the team, as makeshift umbrellas. Amidst the downpour, some fans sang, “Oh, how lovely it is,” while a few Danish supporters were seen dancing in the stands.
After approximately 20 minutes, the rain subsided, and players returned for warm-ups before resuming play. Remarkably, the pitch remained in good condition despite the deluge.
Denmark’s coach, Kasper Hjulmand, lamented the critical moments involving the VAR decisions. At the post-match press conference, he displayed a photo on his phone, stating, “It was one centimeter (offside). In terms of statistics and data, it doesn’t makes sense. This is not how we are supposed to be using VAR.” He also criticized the handball rule, arguing, “Joachim was running normally. It’s a normal situation.”
Nagelsmann expressed sympathy for Hjulmand, acknowledging, “I would also be annoyed if it was the other way round.”
Ultimately, it is Denmark who are heading home, while Germany advances to Stuttgart on Friday.
“It was a wild game altogether,” Nagelsmann summarized. “We came through adversity in those seconds where it was, ‘Was it a goal or not a goal?’ and ‘Was it handball or not a handball?’ That makes me proud. The team deserves it and hopefully we are getting rid of the old memory stick and understand how good we actually are.”
AP Euro 2024: https://apnews.com/hub/euro-2024
