Hosts Germany begin their Euro 2024 campaign in Dortmund on Saturday night, with Julian Nagelsmann's side facing Denmark for a place in the quarter-finals.
After surprising on the opening night, Germany's weaknesses have since become apparent and they came within minutes of finishing second in Group A with a goal behind against Switzerland on Matchday 3.
Nagelsmann's side struggled to create against the stubborn Swiss, but their pressure paid off in the end when substitute Niclas Fullkrug headed home to earn the hosts a point.
Hopes remain high for Germany as Euros fever grips the country, but they have a tough last 16 game against Denmark to go before they can think about their run to the finals.
The Danes, who reached the semi-finals three years ago, have been in good form this summer, conceding just two goals in Group C. However, their three-point haul was enough to see them finish second in the group and set up Saturday's points. round of 16.
Here it is 90 min preview of Germany's round of 16 match against Denmark at Euro 2024.
Germany vs Denmark H2H Record (Last Five Matches)
Current form (all competitions)
|
In 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 |
|
The country |
TV channel/live streaming |
|---|---|
|
United Kingdom |
ITV1, ITVX, STV, STV Player |
|
United States |
fuboTV, Sling, Foxsports.com, ViX, FOX Sports App, FOX Network, SiriusXM FC |
|
Canada |
App for CTV, TVA+, TSN4, TVA Sports, CTV, TSN1 |
Nagelsmann has concerns at centre-back with Jonathan Tah missing Saturday's game through suspension and Antonio Rudiger a doubt with a hamstring injury on Sunday night against Switzerland.
Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck is likely to replace Tah, while Robin Koch may have to replace Rudiger.
There will be no further changes to the Germany squad, with Fullkrug likely to be used as a substitute meaning Kai Havertz will keep his place up top.
Germany predicted system (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Kimmich, Rudiger, Schlotterback, Mittelstadt; Andrich, Kroos; Musiala, Gundogan, Wirtz; Havertz.
Morten Hjulmand received his second yellow card of the tournament against Serbia and is suspended for Denmark's round of 16 match.
The Danes have plenty of other options, however, with Brentford's Christian Norgaard a possible candidate for the Sporting CP midfielder and his teammate Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. Thomas Delaney and Mathias Jensen are also options for manager Hjulmand.
Denmark may have been toothless on Matchday 3, but wholesale changes are unlikely.
Denmark predicted system (3-4-1-2): Schmeichel; Andersen Vestergaard, Christensen; Bah, Norgaard, Hojbjerg, Maehle; Eriksen; Wind, Hojlund.
Germany's mistakes were highlighted in Matchday 3 as they were exploited on the counter-attack and the absence of runners hindered their work against the compact Switzerland block.
Denmark's system is not very similar to the Swiss, and they should cause the hosts few problems on Saturday, especially if Germany do not have two centre-halves.
Hjulmand's side have struggled to attack rhythm, however, and are likely to rely on high returns as a means of creating chances. Rasmus Hojlund also has the ability to get in behind Germany's defense, but he hasn't had a sniff at the Euros this summer.
Nagelsmann's men will have to grind in Dortmund on Saturday, and could fall behind. But, the spirit shown against Switzerland suggests that they will not tolerate an early exit in the round of 16. They will find a way.
Prediction: Germany 2-1 Denmark
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