Germany advanced to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals with a 2-0 victory over Denmark, thanks to goals from Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz in a match interrupted by a dramatic storm.
The last-16 clash at Borussia Dortmund's Westfalenstadion was halted for about 20 minutes near the end of the first half due to lightning and heavy rain.
The match saw significant involvement from the video assistant referee (VAR). Germany's Nico Schlotterbeck had an early header disallowed, while Denmark's Joachim Andersen's second-half goal was ruled out for offside against teammate Thomas Delaney.
Shortly after Andersen's disallowed goal, referee Michael Oliver awarded Germany a penalty after reviewing a handball by Andersen. Havertz converted the penalty, putting it out of Kasper Schmeichel's reach.
Havertz missed a chance for a second goal when his shot went wide, but Germany secured their second goal with just over 20 minutes remaining as Musiala scored from the left side, slotting the ball into the far corner.
The home fans were enthusiastic, cheering for more goals, but the score remained 2-0. At the final whistle, Germany's supporters celebrated the convincing win.
Germany will face the winner of Sunday's match between Spain and Georgia in the quarter-finals, scheduled for Friday, 5 July.
Germany celebrate after a game filled with drama
The match is likely to be memorable for German fans as their team showcased their potential to win the European Championship on home soil. Germany is now the highest-scoring team in the tournament with 10 goals and could have increased that tally further.
Havertz had an early header saved and missed another chance late in the game. Schmeichel also saved a shot from Florian Wirtz.
The storm that delayed the match will be remembered, as will the emotional rollercoaster caused by the VAR decisions. Musiala's performance was a highlight for Germany.
Germany were disappointed when Schlotterbeck's header was ruled out for obstruction, reminiscent of a disallowed goal in their final group game against Switzerland.
However, the crucial VAR decisions favored Germany in the second half. Denmark's equalizer was denied due to Delaney's offside, and a penalty was awarded for Andersen's handball, leading to the opening goal by Havertz.
Defensively, Germany had some concerns as Denmark had a clear chance in the first half when Rasmus Hojlund broke through but failed to score. Ultimately, Germany's attacking prowess, led by Musiala, Wirtz, and Havertz, made the difference.
