Euro 2024: Havertz, Musiala score as Germany ousts Denmark to reach quarters

Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala scored in the second half to propel Germany into the Euro 2024 quarter-finals with a 2-0 victory over Denmark, following a delay caused by a thunderstorm during their last-16 match on Saturday.

The encounter faced a 20-minute interruption in the first half due to adverse weather conditions. During the game, Danish defender Joachim Andersen had a rollercoaster experience, initially having a goal disallowed for offside and then committing a handball that led to a penalty. Havertz successfully converted the penalty in the 53rd minute, giving Germany the lead.

Germany initially had a goal from Nico Schlotterbeck disallowed due to a foul in the buildup, despite a strong start and early pressure. Conversely, Denmark found their rhythm as the game progressed, nearly scoring around halftime.

Musiala later extended Germany’s lead in the 68th minute, receiving a long pass and finishing with a curling shot for his third goal of the tournament, matching Georgia’s Georges Mikautadze as the top scorer of Euro 2024. This goal sealed Germany’s advancement to face either Spain or Georgia in the quarter-finals.

This victory marked Germany’s first significant tournament knockout win in eight years, having been eliminated early in the last two World Cups and in the Euro 2020 last 16.

Germany dominated the early exchanges, with goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel being called into action multiple times as Denmark struggled to advance beyond the midfield in the initial 15 minutes. Following a brief game suspension due to lightning and heavy rain at the Dortmund BVB Stadion, play resumed with Germany continuing to press.

Denmark momentarily thought they had taken the lead when Andersen scored after a free kick, but VAR ruled the goal offside. Shortly after, another VAR review penalized Andersen for a handball, leading to Havertz’s penalty goal.

With Denmark pressing for an equalizer, Germany had opportunities to extend their lead through counter-attacks, although Havertz and Leroy Sane missed close-range chances. Musiala, however, capitalized on his opportunity, securing the victory with a well-placed finish.

Germany could have won by a larger margin if not for a late offside call against Florian Wirtz and another excellent save from Schmeichel. Reflecting on the match, Germany defender Antonio Rudiger expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, noting their dominance and lamenting missed opportunities.