Match 1: Germany vs Denmark
Match analysis: Hosts Germany will take on Denmark in the round of 16
Niklas Philkruger salvaged a point against Switzerland in the third match to secure a top spot for Germany in Group A
Denmark are second in Group C, behind England
Hosts Germany kick off the Euro 2024 last-16 knockout rounds in Borussia Dortmund, with Julian Nagelsmann's side battling Denmark twice for a place in the quarter-finals.
Germany's weaknesses were already evident after a dazzling opening game at the European Championships, with them trailing by a goal in their third game against Switzerland and slipping to second place in Group A in less than minutes.
Germany struggled to create chances against a tenacious Swiss side, but their pressure eventually paid off as substitute Phil Kruger earned a point for hosts Germany with a stoppage-time goal.
Expectations remain high for Germany, who will certainly be lifted up by winning the European Championships, but they still have a tricky last-16 clash against Denmark before they can consider reaching the final.
Denmark, who reached the semi-finals three years ago, have failed to perform at this year's European Championships, scoring just two goals in a tedious Group C. However, their three-point deficit was enough to see them finish second in the group and prepare for the round of 16 showdown.
When does the Germany vs Denmark match start?
Location: Dortmund, Germany
Stadium: Iduna Park Stadium
Date: Saturday, June 29
Tee times: 20:00 BST/15:00 ET/12:00 PT/03:00 Beijing Time
Referee: Michael Oliver
VAR: Stuart Atwell
Germany vs Denmark H2H record (last five matches)
Germany: 1 win
Denmark: 1 win
Draws: 3
Last fixture: Germany 1-1 Denmark (02/06/2021) - International friendlies
Current format (all competitions)
Germany
Denmark
Switzerland 1-1 Germany - 23/06/24
Denmark 0-0 Serbia - 25/06/24
Germany 2-0 Hungary - 19/06/24
Denmark 1-1 England - 20/06/24
Germany 5-1 Scotland - 14/06/24
Slovenia 1-1 Denmark - 16/06/24
Germany 2-1 Greece - 07/06/24
Denmark 2-1 Sweden - 05/06/24
Germany 0-0 Ukraine - 04/06/24
Denmark 0-0 Switzerland - 23/03/24
Germany team news
Maglesmann is concerned about the centre-back, Jonathan Ta is out for Saturday's game through suspension and Antonio Rudiger is doubtful with a hamstring injury against Switzerland on Sunday night.
Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck will almost certainly replace Ta, while Robin Koch may need to replace Rudiger.
There are unlikely any other changes to the German squad and Phil Krueger is likely to be used as an impactful substitute again, meaning Kai Havertz will retain his starting XI place.
Germany v Denmark predicted line-up (4-2-3-1): Neuer, Kimmich, Rudiger, Schlotterbeck, Mittelstedt, Andrich, Kroos, Musiala, Gundogan, Wirtz, Havertz.
Denmark team news
Mortten Jurmand picked up his second yellow card against Serbia and was suspended for the round of 16.
However, Denmark do have a couple of replacements, with Brentford's Christian Norgaard most likely to feature for Real Madrid's midfielder and partner Pierre Emile Hojbjerg. Thomas Delaney and Matthias Jento are also options for head coach Julmande.
Denmark's line-up for this game is unlikely to undergo a massive change.
Denmark vs Germany predicted line-up (3-4-1-2): Schmeichel, Anderson, Westgaard, Christensen, Alexander Ba, Norgaard, Hojbjerg, Mailer, Eriksen, Wender, Hojlen.
—— Forecast ——
Germany's flaws were evident in the third game, as they were exploited on the counter-attack.
Denmark's system is not quite the same as Switzerland's, and they should cause some problems for hosts Germany in this game, especially if Germany don't have two starting centre-backs.
However, Hurmand's side have struggled with an attacking tempo and are likely to rely on high-post follow-up shots to create chances. Hojlen also has the ability to be a threat to the German backline, but he has been out of form in a couple of games at the European Championships.
The German team will have to play and hone in at Dortmund and they could fall behind. However, the spirit shown in the match against Switzerland showed that they will not put up with a premature exit from the round of sixteen. They will find a way to win.
Recommend:
Look for Germany to win 2-0 2-1 3-1