European Championship
Danes look forward to DFB-Elf: “Playing for big moments”
The Danes are looking forward to the round of 16 against Germany. Photo
© Sven Hoppe/dpa
There will be a European Championship reunion between Germany and Denmark. The tournament memories are different. What you need to know about the DFB’s opponent in the round of 16.
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.
“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 in the group.
Remake of 1992 finale
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 player: 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 game 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 had their hopes fulfilled so far, 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.
Coach: It’s a special match for Hjulmand, who once succeeded Thomas Tuchel at FSV Mainz 05. 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.”
European champions: The Danes know how to pull off surprises. In 1992 they won the title as replacements for the excluded Yugoslavia. At the last European Championships they only lost in the semi-finals against England. It would be a bit Danish Dynamite-like if they were to pull off a surprise against the overwhelming favorite Germany.
Tournament record: Germany’s overall record is positive, but its tournament record is not. There were three European Championship games in 2012, 1992 and 1988, as well as one World Cup game in 1986. Both teams won two games each.