‘Everything is possible’ as Denmark unawed by Euro 2024 hosts Germany in last 16
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Denmark's Christian Eriksen poses with the player of the match trophy after the 0-0 draw with Serbia.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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MUNICH – Denmark defender Jannik Vestergaard has backed his underdog side ahead of their last-16 meeting with Euro 2024 hosts Germany on June 29, saying that “everything is possible”.
The Danes drew 0-0 with Serbia England-Slovenia match finished with the same scoreline.
England topped the group on five points, and with Denmark and Slovenia equal on three points along with head-to-head record (they drew 1-1), goals scored and assisted (and even disciplinary records), the former progressed in second due to having a higher European qualification ranking.
As a result, Denmark – who reached the semi-finals of Euro 2020 – will face Germany in Dortmund.
“Everything is possible,” Vestergaard told MagentaTV after the game. “The Germans are a strong team. We need a really strong performance and to stop Germany from showing their best form.”
Along with Spain, Germany have won the European Championship a record three times but were defeated in the final of the 1992 edition in Sweden by Denmark, the only time the Danes lifted the trophy.
Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand called Germany “one of the favourites” for the tournament but said he “had a good feeling about the game”.
“I really love football here in Germany and playing against Germany in Dortmund with the Danish team, it can’t be better, I can’t wait,” said the 52-year-old.
“It’s a great team. But we’re a great team as well. And when we play the big nations, we always step up.”
Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen was named Man of the Match in his 133rd game for the Danes, setting their all-time appearance record.
“Being named player of the match, it’s something extra,” said the 32-year-old.
“I’m very pleased we’re through to the knockouts – that’s what I hoped for.”
His low corner allowed Jonas Wind to find the back of the net in the first half, but the goal was chalked off as the ball had gone out of play.
He also created an excellent chance for Vestergaard with 25 minutes remaining, but the Leicester City defender headed straight at Serbia’s goalkeeper.
Serbia had a goal ruled out midway through the second half when Luka Jovic was found to be offside in the build-up.
Denmark scraped through with three draws and will face a German team full of confidence after topping Group A on seven points, and with two extra days of rest over their next opponents.
Danish goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, whose father Peter was part of the Denmark team who shocked the footballing world and won Euro 1992, is unfazed by the circumstances and is relishing the opportunity.
“It’s going to be great against Germany,” he said.
“If we don’t believe in our chances, we might as well go home.” AFP, REUTERS
