Germany, boasting a more illustrious trophy cabinet than their northern neighbors, were famously defeated by Denmark in the Euro 1992 final.
As hosts of Euro 2024, Germany enters Saturday’s last 16 matchup against Denmark in Dortmund with hopes of having taken lessons from their 1-1 draw with Switzerland in the final group stage game. Following nearly a decade of struggles in major tournaments, Germany was riding high with commanding victories over Scotland and Hungary at the start of the Euros. However, they were brought back to reality with a draw against Switzerland, saved only by Niclas Fuellkrug’s last-minute header, which secured the group’s top spot.
This served as a necessary wake-up call for the hosts, particularly for fans already dreaming of a fourth Euros title, and a reminder that coach Julian Nagelsmann still has work to do.
‘We underestimated them’
Germany has a richer trophy collection compared to Denmark, but they famously lost to the Danes in the Euro 1992 final. Denmark’s victory, which came after they were unexpectedly included in the tournament following Yugoslavia’s exclusion, is considered a fairytale moment. Germany still regrets underestimating Denmark.
Berti Vogts, a former player who won the Euros and World Cup, and who coached Germany in that 1992 final, admitted in his column for RP newspaper that his team “underestimated” Denmark.
“In 1992, we lost the Euros final to a great Danish team despite being the favorites — just like the current German team,” he wrote.
“Everyone thought we had the title secured — and unfortunately, some players did too.”
Denmark, with well-organized gameplay and a number of excellent players from top clubs, resembles Switzerland in many ways. Vogts noted that while today’s Danish team may not have the same level of quality as the 1992 team, the pressure is squarely on the Germans.
“The Danes were eager and carefree, simply playing football and catching us off guard — partly because we underestimated them. The Swiss game served as an important warning.”
Questions for Nagelsmann
Germany, having won just three of 11 games in 2023, is undefeated in 2024, with five wins and two draws, largely due to Nagelsmann’s consistent starting XI. The coach has only made changes when necessary due to injury or unavailability.
This strategy has provided stability but will cost them center-back Jonathan Tah for the Denmark game after he received a second yellow card against Switzerland. In his place, Borussia Dortmund’s unpredictable but talented Nico Schlotterbeck will play on Saturday.
Antonio Rudiger is also doubtful for the match due to a hamstring injury, although Schlotterbeck expressed hope for his return, saying, “I hope it works out that he returns.”
“I had a similar injury and it’s difficult to clear from your mind.”
Schlotterbeck mentioned that the German team is well-prepared for Denmark, knowing “almost everything” about their opponents.
“The entire game plan, defense, and offense. We know about Denmark and how we will play against them,” he said.
Looking forward to the game in his home stadium, Schlotterbeck noted that Dortmund’s famous “yellow wall” would turn into a “wall of white.”
While Tah’s absence forces Nagelsmann to make a change, he might also consider replacing Arsenal’s Kai Havertz with Niclas Fuellkrug, who has scored twice off the bench during the tournament. Fuellkrug, who made his debut at 29 in 2022, has 13 goals compared to Havertz’s seven, usually coming in as a substitute.
Fuellkrug, who was playing in the second division just two seasons ago, stated that he is not concerned about his role as a super-sub.
“The title is far more important than individual accolades.”
