Julian Nagelsmann’s men got the job done in Dortmund after Denmark gave the hosts a scare.
After a positive German start, Michael Olivertook the players off the pitch as thunder and lightning rained down on the Westfalenstadion.
The Danes ignited after the pause, but Rasmus Højlund failed to get the better of veteran Manuel Neuer in the German goal and the scores remained level until the interval.
Crystal Palace’s Joachim Andersen thought he’d given De Rød-Hvide a famous lead just three minutes into the second period but his opener was ruled out for offside.
Just moments later Andersen’s night got worse when, after a VAR check, he was ruled to have handled the ball inside the box, giving Kai Havertz the chance to break the deadlock from 12 yards.
The spot kick was dispatched by the Arsenal man, and gave the home crowd a moment of celebration following a nervy opening 50 minutes.
Jamal Musiala put the game to bed midway through the second period as he calmly slotted a low finish past Kasper Schmeichel into the far corner.
Die Mannschaft held on despite some pressure late on to survive a scare and qualify for the last 16, where they will face either Spain or Georgia.
Here are four things we learnt from the contest:
-
Germany will need to improve if they are to lift the trophy
Whilst victory was the only priority for Nagelsmann, the performance did open up a few potential cracks in what looked to be a seamless armoury after a dominant group stage performance.
Germany looked vulnerable at times and could’ve been made to pay if the Danes were more clinical, especially with Højlund’s chances towards the end of the first half.
Despite this, the quality all over the German team is clear to see.
Going forward, the dilemma of Niclas Füllkrug and Kai Havertz is a good one to have, while Leroy Sane displayed some bright sparks which may give the boss a headache between the Bayern Munich winger and Florian Wirtz, who came off the bench and caused plenty of problems.
-
Rasmus Højlund still needs more time
The second half of the 2023/24 campaign was positive for Manchester United’s 21-year-old striker Rasmus Højlund, who netted 16 times in 43 appearances.
His profligacy has been questioned previously and it was an issue in this one.
In the first half, one chance was smashed into the side-netting from close range while one was expertly stopped by Neuer.
In the second period, the forward’s final big moment was fired straight at the keeper from the edge of the box.
Højlund’s movement and pace are superb and highlights his massive potential, but his composure in crucial moments can let him down, which is something that should improve over time.
-
Veterans are crucial for Nagelsmann
Toni Kroos announced his retirement before this tournament but his importance in this team cannot be questioned.
He kept Germany ticking over as he has done throughout his career, controlling the tempo and threading passes through gaps that only special players can see.
The 34-year-old was near perfect with his work in this one, completing 96% of his attempted passes and playing the most accurate passes in the contest by a clear margin.
Meanwhile, 38-year-old Manuel Neuer was a vital component as he has been for 15 years in his national side.
His save from Højlund late in the first half was superb and kept the scores at 0-0.
Both names come with the experience of winning a major trophy, 10 years ago at the 2014 World Cup, which could prove to be the difference in the latter stages of the tournament.
-
Musiala will be the main man for years to come
Jamal Musiala lights up the pitch every time he steps on one.
His trickery and power is a joy to watch, and gives Germany a different edge through midfield as he bridges the gap the the frontline.
The 21-year-old has netted in three of the opening four matches of EURO 2024 which puts him level at the top of the Golden Boot rankings with Georgia’s Georges Mikautadze.
There is no doubt that the Bayern Munich man will be on centre stage for the remainder of this tournament and for many more in the future for Nagelsmann’s men.
