Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz scored as Euro 2024 hosts Germany reached the quarterfinals by defeating Denmark in a match interrupted by a dramatic storm.
The last-16 clash at Borussia Dortmund’s Westfalenstadion was suspended for approximately 20 minutes near the end of the first half due to lightning, hail, and heavy rain.
The game was also marked by several significant video assistant referee (VAR) decisions. Nico Schlotterbeck’s early header was ruled out by VAR, and Denmark’s Joachim Andersen had a second-half goal disallowed when Thomas Delaney was flagged offside.
Germany benefited from a VAR decision moments after the Danes’ disallowed goal. Referee Michael Oliver, after reviewing the pitchside monitor, awarded a penalty for handball by Andersen. Havertz calmly converted the spot-kick, putting it out of Kasper Schmeichel’s reach.
Havertz missed an opportunity to score a second goal soon after, clipping a shot over Schmeichel that went wide. However, Germany secured their second goal with just over 20 minutes remaining, as Musiala raced through on the left and slotted into the far corner.
The home fans cheered their team on for more goals, hoping for a statement win. Although no additional goals were scored, the Germany supporters celebrated enthusiastically at the final whistle.
Germany will next play the winner of Sunday’s game between Spain and Georgia. The quarterfinal is scheduled for Friday, July 5.
Germany Celebrates After a Dramatic Game
This match and result will likely be remembered by German fans. Their team delivered a performance that underscored their status as strong contenders to win the European Championship on home soil.
Germany is now the highest-scoring team in the tournament with 10 goals. They could have added to this tally, with Havertz having an early header saved and a late chance denied by Schmeichel, who also saved a shot from Florian Wirtz.
The storm causing the play delay will be remembered, and the VAR decisions added to the emotional rollercoaster for Germany and their fans. Ultimately, another impressive display by Musiala lifted their spirits.
Germany was frustrated when Schlotterbeck’s early header was disallowed for what appeared to be obstruction, echoing a disallowed goal in their final group game against Switzerland. However, VAR decisions favored Germany in the second half, with Denmark denied an equalizer when Delaney was offside by a narrow margin. The penalty decision following David Raum’s cross touching Andersen’s arm led to the breakthrough.
Defensively, Germany had some concerns as Denmark, exiting Euro 2024 without a win, had a chance in the first half when Rasmus Hojlund went through. Nonetheless, Germany’s attacking strength, led by Musiala, Wirtz, and Havertz, proved decisive.
