Kick-off Time: 20:00
The second knockout clash of Euro 2024 sees two undefeated teams go head to head, Germany and Denmark. Despite both former champions enjoying a loss-free record so far this tournament, they have had distinctly different routes to the round of 16.
Hosts Germany have cruised through to the knockout stage, confirming their place after just two group stage games. Denmark’s journey has been a little less comfortable as they are still searching for their first win at Euro 2024. Although they finished second in Group C, just one goal separated them from elimination in their final match versus Serbia.
The last time Denmark got three group stage points they went as far as the semi-finals (Euro 2020). Can they pull off another unexpected run again or will Germany swiftly dump Scandinavia’s sole representative out of the competition?
Germany v Denmark Team News
So far Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann has avoided making any changes to his starting eleven as he has a strong sense about what his best XI looks like. Sticking with the same lineup will not be possible here though thanks to Jonathan Tah collecting his second yellow of the tournament against Switzerland. There are also concerns surrounding fellow central defender Antonio Rudiger who has “a bit of a problem with his thigh”.
Missing both centre-backs would be a major blow for Germany although they do have good cover. Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck is set to replace the suspended Tah while Stuttgart’s Waldemar Anton can fill in for Rudiger if needed.
Denmark, meanwhile, look like having just the one forced change for this upcoming test. Kasper Hjulmand will need a replacement for Morten Hjulmand (no relation), responsible for half of Denmark’s goals this tournament, as he has picked up two yellow cards. There are a couple of main candidates to replace the defensive midfielder including Brentford’s Christian Nørgaardand the experienced Thomas Delaney who has 78 caps for his country.
The only other major decision for the Denmark manager is which fullbacks to pick as Alexander Bah, Joakim Mæhle and Victor Kristiansen all have two starts to their name.
Germany v Denmark Head to Head and Form Guide
Starting from Denmark’s win over Germany in the Euro 1992 final, these two nations have a perfectly balanced record of three wins each and three draws. Germany did prevail the last time these sides met in this competition though, a late Lars Bender goal giving them a 2-1 win in the group stages of Euro 2012.
| Date | Result |
| 2nd June 2021 | Denmark 2-3 Germany |
| 6th June 2017 | Germany 2-1 Denmark |
| 17th June 2012 | Germany 2-1 Denmark |
| 11th August 2010 | Denmark 1-1 Germany |
| 28th March 2007 | Germany 0-1 Denmark |
Something has to give in Dortmund on Saturday evening as both teams come into this match unbeaten in their last seven matches. In fact, Denmark have only suffered defeat once since June 2023. In this same time period the Germans have been beaten on five occasions.
Who Will Play?
We expect Germany to go with a 4-2-3-1 formation with Neuer in goal, Kimmich, Schlotterbeck, Rudiger and Mittelstadt at the back and Kroos and Andrich holding. Musiala, Gundogan and Wirtz could well be the supporting attacking players for Havertz
As for Denmark, we think they’ll opt for 3-4-1-2. Schmeichel will be between the sticks with Andersen, Christensen and Vestergaard at the back. The midfield will probably feature Mæhle, Nørgaard, Højbjerg and Kristiansen with Eriksen in behind the front two, Højlund, and Wind.
Who Will Win?
Germany did look rather unconvincing against Switzerland in their final group stage match but with qualification already secured, we can be forgiving of this display. Denmark have fewer excuses for their solid but largely uninspiring Euro 2024 campaign so far. With a mere two goals scored and both strikers lacking any sort of international form, we cannot see them having the necessary firepower to pull off a shock even if Rudiger misses out. We still anticipate a relatively competitive match but back Germany to win to nil.