Denmark Challenges Germany In The Last 16, Vestergaard: Germany Is Also Vulnerable

Jannik Vestergaard, Denmark defender, is confident he can win over Germany in the last 16. (photo: eufa.com)

JAKARTA - After a 0-0 draw against Serbia, Tuesday, June 25, Denmark also managed to advance to the last 16 of Euro 2024 as runners-up from Group C. In the round of 16 they will meet the host Germany. Despite facing strong neighbors, Jannik Vestergaard, Denmark's defender, believes that the match can still be won.

"Everything is possible, I think Switzerland has just shown that," Vestergaard said, referring to the 1-1 draw between Switzerland and Germany where Niclas F\"llkrug scored the equalizer in injury time. "Germany is a good team, but they are also vulnerable if we play the right way."

However, Vestergaard realized that performance like against Serbia would not be enough. "We need the best performance and maybe Germany shouldn't reach its peak performance," he added.

Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand is also satisfied with his team's performance in the first half against Serbia, even calling it "very strong". Denmark's dominance is clearly visible, but opportunities are still minimal. Hjulmand knows that Denmark's attacks have to increase against Germany, one of the tournament's favorites.

"I'm really looking forward to this game," he said. "I've played England four times and never lost - we love games like this."

This meeting could come thanks to Fairplay tables, where Slovenia received one more yellow card compared to Denmark which made Denmark runner-up even though their points were the same. Morten Hjulmand, who acted in Denmark's midfield, will miss the match against Germany due to accumulated yellow cards.

Joakim Ma hle of Denmark added his team's optimism. "Germany is a good team, and we know their quality. They play at home, but to win the tournament, you have to beat all the teams, so whether we face them now in the semifinals or quarter-finals, that doesn't matter. We need to beat them," Mahle said.

Meanwhile, Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann reflected on the last match against Switzerland, which will be a picture in the next match. "We have to take a lot of risks at the end. It was a good exercise for the knockout round," he said.

However, Germany is facing a serious injury problem where Antonio R\"udiger may be absent due to interested muscles. In addition, Jonathan Tah was also unable to perform due to the accumulation of yellow cards. Germany may have to make two changes in the back line.