Nagelsmann's Difficult Choice, Prepares Germany's Front Line To Face Denmark

JAKARTA - Julian Nagelsmann, the German coach, had to think hard ahead of the round of 16 match with Denmark. He is still having trouble finding the best form of Die Mannschaft at Euro 2024.

After becoming the group champion and the rest of the country supporting his team, the big question on the lips of every German fan from Berlin to Braug is who will be the starter on the front lines on Saturday 29 June. Kai Havertz is preferred for three Group A games, while Niclas Fuellkrug is off the bench to give him the much-needed goal.

Fuellkrug gave a sign in the last group game. As Germany trailed by one goal from Switzerland and looked satisfied to be in second place, Fuellkrug scored a powerful header in extra time to win a draw and top the table.

Despite having many qualities, Havertz has yet to score at the Euros from open play, and against Denmark's defense capable of drawing against England, Slovakia, and Serbia, Fuellkrug's strength and physique may be the best choice.

Some observers believe that Havertz and Fuellkrug can be played together. "I can imagine Havertz playing one more back position... he will be good as a false nine," said Olaf Thon, the German World Cup winner who works as a comment expert for Sport1.

Nagelsmann also had to choose a replacement for center-back Jonathan Tah, who got a second yellow card in the match against Switzerland, so Nagelsmann replaced him in the 60th minute with Nico Schlotterbeck.

On the Danish side, which reached the semifinals of Euro 2020 but has yet to find their best form in this tournament, coach Kasper Hjulmand is still looking for a balance between defensive solidity and attacking power. However, the introduction of winger Andreas Skov Olsen in the second half of the last group match may be an indication that Hjulmand is willing to take more risks.

Denmark will also lose key players with midfielder Morten Hjulmand suspended, and both Thomas Delaney and Christian Norrgaard will fill the position behind Christian Eriksen in midfield, where Hjulmand expects matches to win or lose.

"We have to close the center, while playing football. Germany is one of the hardest teams pressing at the Euros, they quickly take the ball back, so it's important for us to be able to play football there," said the Danish coach.