2015 UEFA EURO U21 Championship - Germany - Denmark Preview: Danes hoping for second straight scalp

Denmark take on Germany at Eden Arena on Saturday evening, with the former hoping to almost secure their passage through to the 2015 UEFA European Under-21 Championship semi-finals.

Form guide

For Germany, their first game didn't go to plan. A less than impressive performance meant they could only muster a 1-1 draw with Serbia.

It could have been much worse but for Emre Can's equaliser, after a stylish opener from Filip Djuričić.

They'll be hoping from a considerably better performance across the pitch, and also three vital points.

A strong second half showing from the young Danes saw them overcome the Czech Republic in their opening group game.

After falling behind Jannik Vestergaard equalised, before Pione Sisto struck with just a few minutes remaining to seal a 2-1 win.

It was a stark reminder of what Jess Thorup's side are capable off, even when key-men like Yussuf Poulsen and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg.

Key players

Horst Hrubesch could be relying on Joshua Kimmich and Leonardo Bittencourt to make the difference against Denmark.

Both came on in the second half and the difference they made was considerable, especially Kimmich.

The soon-to-be Bayern Munich midfielder really upped the tempo when brought on. His willingness to play a forward pass made Germany look much more threatening.

For Denmark it could be Kimmich's former team-mate, Yussuf Poulsen, that will cause Germany the most problems.

The 21-year-old RB Leipzig forward netted an impressive 11 goals last season and looks set to be a real future star.

His pace, power and finishing could really trouble a German defence that is severely lacking in pace.

What they're saying

Hrubesch was keeping his cards close to his chest in his pre-match press conference, saying he's not letting anyone know about "the weaknesses of the Danish team".

Though he did take the opportunity to talk about their strengths. He cited how Denmark are "a compact team", and that "a lot of tall players" make them "very dangerous at set pieces".

In reference to some of their "players who stand out", he says that the key is to "how consistent they were throughout the whole 90 minutes" against the Czechs.

"We are hoping to start on Saturday like we played in the second half against the Czech Republic," declared Thorup.

The Danish coach was proud, as they "stood up as a team", as well their ability to "create chances and close down the ball".

Thorup emphasised his hopes that they "learned some lessons from those first 45 minutes", if they are to "have a chance" against their opponents.

Referee

Sergei Karasev will be the referee in charge of the crucial Group A clash.

The Russian official has a vast amount of experience at 36, and was made a FIFA listed referee back in 2010.

Alongside being in the middle for Russian Premier League games, Karasev has also refereed in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League.