Germany overcome the Danish scare

The Germans came out with all guns blazing against Denmark at Dortmund – Denmark melted under the pressure, but, as the time progressed, the Germans were losing their killer instincts by the time a cataclysmic weather intervention stopped proceedings for nearly half an hour during the opening period.

The Germans eventually pulled clear but had, in large part, to thank a handball law that requires moderation. Once Kai Havertz had scored from the penalty spot the air was sucked out of a pleasantly bold Denmark side and later on, Jamal Musiala struck the telling blow to settle the dust on a wet evening at Dortmund.

Denmark had picked up from where they left off after half-time and felt hard done by when Joachim Andersen, having lashed past Manuel Neuer for what was seemingly a deserved lead, had his celebrations curtailed. Thomas Delaney had swung at the ball and missed just before Andersen applied the finish but was adjudged, through VAR, to have strayed offside by the barest of margins.

Straight down the other end, the German left-back David Raum had men to aim for in the centre. His cross glanced off Andersen’s hand, a fact picked up by the VAR official Stuart Attwell and the - snickometer - deployed in the control room, and it was enough for Michael Oliver to award a penalty after pulling play back.

Germany had called Kasper Schmeichel into action four times in the first 11 minutes, saves from Havertz and Joshua Kimmich, while Nico Schlotterbeck had a header ruled out. But they had become nervous and twitchy after not putting Denmark to the sword. Before the unscheduled break, Christian Eriksen and Joachim Maehle had been better enough to suck the spirit out of the Germans.

Denmark had been chastised back home for dull group stage performances but they had evidently spied an opportunity and, at this point, looked the better side.

Germany advances to the next eight where - if an accident does not happen -Spain would be waiting for them. To break the Trophy jinx, they need to be even better. 

Note: Excerpts from the The Guardian

Thank You

Faisal Caesar