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At 3 o'clock in the morning on June 30, Beijing time, in the 1/8 finals of the European Cup, the host German team faced the Danish team. After an up-and-down matchup, Germany defeated Denmark 2-0 and successfully advanced to the quarterfinals. The match was not only a contest of skills and tactics, but also a continuation of the historical feud between the two teams, with the German team avenging the defeat in the 1992 European Championship final.
First half: Thunderstorm interrupted, goal nullified
At the beginning of the game, players from both sides quickly got into the groove and launched a fierce attack. In the 4th minute, Germany's Schlotterbeck scored with a header, but the referee ruled that the goal was invalid due to a foul first, which undoubtedly brought a certain blow to the morale of the German team. Undeterred, however, the Germans continued to look for opportunities with precise passing and aggressive movement.
In the 21st minute, Denmark's Eriksen's shot was brilliantly blocked by Germany's Rudiger, showing the tenacity of the German team's defence. However, in the 35th minute of the game, a sudden thunderstorm caused the game to be suspended. This unexpected situation undoubtedly disrupted the rhythm of the game between the two sides and added more uncertainty to the rest of the game.
Second half: Germany scores from the penalty spot to seal the win
After a midfield adjustment, players from both sides returned to the game. Shortly after the start of the second half, Denmark's Andreessen scored a goal that was ruled out for offside, and the Danes' joy turned into disappointment. Immediately afterwards, Anderson gave Germany a penalty for handball. Havertz stood in front of the penalty spot, took a deep breath and calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net to give Germany a 1-0 lead.
The goal was a clear morale boost for the German team, who began to control the tempo of the game more confidently. In the 68th minute, substitute Musiala showed his excellent attacking awareness and finishing ability, and he single-handedly pushed the far corner to extend the score to 2-0. The goal almost sealed the victory for Germany, who fought back but were unable to close the gap.
Around the end of the game, Germany's Wirtz scored a goal, but it was again ruled out for offside. Despite this, Germany held on to a 2-0 lead until the final whistle. The victory not only allowed Germany to qualify for the quarter-finals, but also marked a new chapter in their all-time clash with Denmark.
Player & Tactical Analysis
Germany's Kai Havertz and Musiala were undoubtedly the highlights of the game. Kai Havertz scored the penalty at a crucial moment, showing his skill and composure; Musiala, on the other hand, scored a goal for the team shortly after coming on the pitch, and his attacking awareness and finishing ability were eye-catching. In addition, the Germans' tactics were commendable, creating a number of chances through quick counter-attacks and midfield control, and successfully converting them into goals.
In comparison, Denmark were slightly underwhelmed in this game. Anderson experienced a dramatic turn from a goal disallowed to a penalty, which also reflected the ups and downs and uncertainty of the game. Denmark have tried to threaten with quick through balls and long passes, but they have been lacking in their handling of set-pieces and counter-attacks in defence.
Historical Context and Weather Impacts
It is worth mentioning that the two teams met in the 1992 European Championship final, when Denmark emerged victorious. Therefore, this game is not only a battle for qualification, but also a battle for revenge for the German team. They proved their strength with victory and washed away the shame of the past.
In addition, the weather factor also played a key role in this game. The sudden attack of the thunderstorm disrupted the rhythm of the game and the tactical deployment of both sides. However, the Germans, as hosts, clearly adapted better to the unexpected situation, and they quickly recovered their form and emerged victorious after the weather improved.
Overall, this 1/8 final of the European Championship in Germany was a game full of drama and suspense. Germany managed to reach the quarter-finals thanks to their excellent performances and tactical execution, while Denmark showed their fighting spirit and quality despite their disappointing exit. As the competition progresses, we look forward to more exciting matchups and stories on the stage of the European Cup.