Germany embracing fans’ expectations at Euro 2024, says Julian Nagelsmann
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said his players will not feel pressure.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Follow topic:
DORTMUND – Germany’s first knockout victory at a major tournament in eight years will raise fans’ expectations that the former football powerhouse are returning to their best at Euro 2024, but the players will not feel the pressure, coach Julian Nagelsmann said.
The hosts were scintillating at the start of their 2-0 win over Denmark on June 29,
“I think we have no more pressure than usual,” Nagelsmann said, ahead of a quarter-final clash against Spain or Georgia. “I think the fans and also the expectations of our fans is a big push for us.
“We can deal with the pressure... It’s a privilege to play football games under pressure. All the players are used to dealing with it, so it’s no problem.”
Defender Nico Schlotterbeck added: “We’ve released something in this country. We’re playing with euphoria, we’re playing with fun and that’s when football is the most beautiful.”
At one point it looked as if the game could be abandoned as English referee Michael Oliver stopped play in the 35th minute and took the teams off the pitch while a violent storm passed overhead.
Torrential rain, hailstones, high winds, thunder and lightning caused a delay of 25 minutes before the action could resume.
Germany’s victory was ultimately a comfortable one and they could have won by more than two goals but for good saves by Kasper Schmeichel and wastefulness in front of goal.
Player of the Match Antonio Rudiger told German broadcaster ZDF: “I think everybody who watched the match will be of the opinion that we were dominant from the start. The only criticism you can have is that we missed too many chances.”
The hosts got the better of a second-half sliding doors moment, with Denmark’s Joachim Andersen at the centre of it.
The defender thought he had given Denmark the lead but the goal was disallowed for a narrow offside against Thomas Delaney. Soon after, he conceded a penalty in the 53rd minute when a David Raum cross struck his arm. Kai Havertz scored from the spot before Jamal Musiala added a second on 68 minutes.
“The result was decided by two VAR (video assistant referee) decisions. I have the photo here – it was one centimetre,” Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand said, holding up his phone with a picture of the VAR decision for the offside.
“It doesn’t make sense. This is not how we are supposed to be using VAR – it’s one centimetre – and after a few minutes there was a penalty.
“I’m so tired of the ridiculous handball rules. We cannot require our defenders to be running with arms like this,” he said, pressing his arms to his side.
Nagelsmann said: “I understand that Denmark are annoyed (by the penalty decision). It’s quite harsh but that’s how the rule is.
“Yes, (Andersen) did just run, he didn’t do it intentionally, but that is the rule. So I would also be annoyed if it were the other way around, but I would have to accept the rule.” REUTERS, AFP
