Julian Nagelsmann insists his Germany side “can handle the pressure” after progressing to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 with a controversial 2-0 win over Denmark.
The win in Dortmund was Germany's first in the knockout stages of a major tournament since the European Championship in 2016.
Kai Havertz put them ahead with a blistering penalty just two minutes after Denmark were called for offside by their opponents which ruled out Joachim Anderson's goal.
Nagelsmann said he understood the Danes' frustration and admitted the penalty was “quite difficult” but preferred to focus on his team's performance and the growing feeling in Germany that this could be their year.
⚡ Jamal Musiala doubles Germany's lead!
Amazing assist from Nico Schlotterbeck to put the 21-year-old away 😮💨#Euro2024 | #GERDEN pic.twitter.com/AH3KLI5Cs1
– ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 29, 2024
That, of course, brings pressure but the former Bayern Munich manager is confident his players can handle it. He said: “I think we don't have more pressure than usual.
“I think the fans and the expectations of our fans are a big boost for us.
“We can handle pressure. For me it is still a privilege and we tell the players that it is a privilege to play football under pressure. All the players are used to it so there is no problem.”
Nagelsmann praised the Dortmund crowd for sticking with the team, adding: “It was not an easy game. Denmark did very well and we were in a good phase of the game.
“We tried to force things, maybe too much. However due to difficulties – like in Switzerland – we got through, with help from the crowd. I am proud of the team; they are starting to realize how beautiful they are.”
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