European Championship 2024
Danes are looking forward to Germany: “It’s always special when you play against the host”
Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand: “I have a good feeling. We are looking forward to the game.”
© Sven Hoppe / DPA
In 1992, Denmark and Germany met in the European Championship final. Now the neighbours are facing off again. What you need to know about the challenger.
The Danish national football team is looking forward to the European Championship round of 16 against Germany with great anticipation. “It really is a great game,” said coach Kasper Hjulmand in Munich on Wednesday night. “It’s always something special when you play against the hosts.” With a 0:0 draw against Serbia and the fair play score, the Danes reached the knockout round without winning a single game of their own in the group.
Re-edition of the 1992 European Championship final
The rematch of the 1992 European Championship final won by Denmark will take place in Dortmund on Saturday (9 p.m.). “It’s going to be big. We’re playing for the big moments and the fans are happy about the big moments,” said former Dortmund and Bremen player Thomas Delaney. “Germany is one of the biggest favorites.”
His coach sees it that way too. “Germany is one of the absolute favorites. With Toni Kroos back in the team, he ensures a good balance,” said coach Hjulmand. “All the players are at a great level. I have a good feeling. We are looking forward to the game.”
What you need to know about the Danes
Key players: Christian Eriksen is the most important player on the pitch in his emotional European Championship comeback. Three years ago he suffered a cardiac arrest at the European Championship. The return to the European Championship stage is a special moment. The Manchester United midfielder scored against Slovenia and also directed the match against Serbia. In his record game, the 133rd for Denmark, the 32-year-old was named player of the match. “That’s secondary. I’m looking forward to the round of 16,” said Eriksen.
Offensive hopes: The Danes have not yet fulfilled their dreams, but Germany must still be warned. Hopes are pinned primarily on Rasmus Højlund, Eriksen’s club colleague from Manchester United. The 70 million striker would love to start the match in the knockout round. “We will definitely score more goals,” said Eriksen.
Unity: Coach Hjulmand led the team to the semi-finals at the 2021 European Championship. After the Eriksen shock, cohesion was a big factor for the team. A mixture of promising talents and experienced players want to surprise Germany.
Trainer: For Hjulmand, who once succeeded Thomas Tuchel at FSV Mainz 05, it is a special match. He enjoyed his time in Germany, said the 52-year-old. Germany has a “great football culture and passion for football. I think German football is great.”
Serbia’s final offensive against Denmark remains unsuccessful – all highlights in the video
05:57 min
European Champion: The Danes know how to pull off surprises. In 1992 they won the title as replacements for the excluded Yugoslavia. At the last European Championship they only lost in the semi-final against England. It would be a bit Danish Dynamite-like if they were to pull off a surprise against the overwhelming favorite Germany.
Tournament results: Germany’s overall record is positive, but its tournament record is not. There were three European Championship games in 2012, 1992 and 1988, and one World Cup game in 1986. Both teams won two games each.