The knockout phase has finally arrived which means the intensity and pressure builds even higher for the 16 remaining teams at Euro 2024.
The hosts know all about pressure and big occasions, but the German side will have to overcome Denmark to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since Euro 2016.
Julian Nagelsmann has rebooted the German machine and they come into the knockout phases brimming with confidence after reestablishing the support of the nation.
Germany enjoy controlling the ball and feeding an inter-changing front four which has seen them play impressive football so far this tournament. Their eight goals in the group stage evidences just how exhilarating Die Mannschaft have been.
There will be optimism from the Danes who will understand that Germany like to send an overload in attacking phases which will leave them vulnerable to the counterattack.
Denmark are yet to ignite their attacking flame so far this tournament but they have proven to be difficult to beat.
The Red and Whites, just like Germany, are unbeaten from their group stage matches. Denmark drew to Slovenia, England and Serbia having scored just two goals.
Kasper Hjulmand’s team deploy a back five which makes them difficult to break down and their tall and physical defenders limit opposition success from crosses. The midfielders will join the attack and are a key goal threat.
It is likely Denmark will look to frustrate Germany but Die Mannschaft boast a depth in quality, and they could turn to the bench for added assistance.
Team News
Germany
Nagelsmann showed his reluctance to tamper with his starting line-up having named the same eleven in all three matches of Group A.
However, the German boss will be forced into a change on Saturday with Jonathan Tah serving a suspension for two yellow cards. The likely replacement is Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck who has been in good form for his club.
There is a rising concern that Tah’s partner in crime, Antonio Rudiger is nursing a hamstring injury, but he is still expected to start at the heart of the Mannschaft defence.
Niclas Fullkrug has scored in two of his three appearances from the bench but his late leveller to Switzerland is still deemed not enough to replace Kai Havertz.
Denmark
Morten Hjulmand is sidelined for the Danes following two bookings.
The Sporting Lisbon midfielder will prove to be a big loss as he offers a complete skill set for any phase of play. His potential replacement could be one of two Brentford stars in Christian Norgaard and Mathias Jensen.
However, considering the magnitude of the task the Danish manager may opt for experience and require the services of Thomas Delaney who has just recovered from illness.
Hjulmand may look to install an attacking alteration as Jonas Wind has been mediocre. Andreas Skov Olsen, Kasper Dolberg and Yussuf Poulsen are all established assets for the Denmark attack and could be introduced for Denmark’s Round of 16 match.
Likely Line-Ups
Neuer; Kimmich; Schlotterbeck; Rudiger; Mittelstadt; Kroos; Andrich; Gundogan; Musiala; Wirtz; Havertz
Schmeichel; Bah; Andersen; Christensen; Vestergaard; Maehle; Hojberg; Delaney; Eriksen; Hojlund; Wind
Key Players
Germany - Ilkay Gundogan
If anyone ever questions the importance of Ilkay Gundogan then talk to Pep Guardiola.
The Barcelona midfielder is a genius at inter-linking play which allows the attack of Germany to combine at ease.
The veteran’s understanding of the game helps create space for others to move into, such skill will be a big asset into dismantling the Danish defence. The three Denmark centre-backs are not too mobile so expect Gundogan to draw one inwards to create space behind.
The German captain is renowned for his perfectly timed runs and his busy presence in the box. This can be evidenced by his goal and assist as well as winning a penalty so far this group stage.
Gundogan’s unselfish work will allow key figures such as Jamal Musiala and Florain Wirtz to have more space to work with which is a fierce goal threat.
If Die Mannschaft are to brush aside Denmark just like Scotland and Hungary, then expect Gundogan to play a pivotal role.
Denmark - Pierre-Emile Hojberg
The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder was the standout player in Denmark’s draw with England. Pierre-Emile Hojberg continues to be a goal threat from midfield as well as offer balance and grit to the Danish midfield.
Having fired many a shot a Jordan Pickford, Hojberg has built a reputation for finding the net for his country having scored in three consecutive matches ahead of the tournament.
But the 28-year-old offers much more to his game than just goals, he is renowned for his disruptive style of play which could prove effective in stopping any German rhythm.
Having come through the ranks at Bayern Munich, Hojberg developed into a composed midfielder who offers visionary passes as well as his Viking like attributes.
If Denmark are to beat the odds and upset the host nation then expect Hojberg to have been one of many Danish stars to have had a strong performance.
Match Details
Where is the game being played?
The match is being played in Dortmund at the BVB Stadion Dortmund, previously known as the Signal Iduna Park.
What time is kick-off?
The match will be the second of eight Round of 16 matches which will take place on Saturday, 29th June at 8pm BST.
How can I watch?
The match will be broadcast on ITV 1 which pre-match analysis starting at 7pm BST.
