Germany Beats Denmark 2-0 to Advance to Euro 2024 Quarterfinals After Storm Stops Play

Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz scored as Euro 2024 hosts Germany reached the quarterfinals by defeating Denmark in a match interrupted by a dramatic storm.

The round-of-16 clash at Borussia Dortmund's Westfalenstadion was halted for approximately 20 minutes near the end of the first half due to lightning, hail, and heavy rain.

The game was also marked by notable video assistant referee (VAR) decisions. Nico Schlotterbeck had an early header disallowed by VAR, while Denmark saw Joachim Andersen's second-half strike overturned due to Thomas Delaney being marginally offside.

Germany benefited from another VAR call shortly after Denmark's disallowed goal. Referee Michael Oliver awarded a penalty for handball by Andersen after consulting the pitchside monitor. Havertz converted the spot-kick, placing the ball beyond Kasper Schmeichel's reach.

Havertz nearly scored again soon after, but his shot went wide. Germany secured their second goal with just over 20 minutes remaining when Musiala broke through on the left and scored into the far corner.

The home fans, energized by the goals, cheered their team on, hoping for more. Although no additional goals were scored, the supporters celebrated passionately at the final whistle.

Germany will next face the winner of Sunday's match between Spain and Georgia in the quarterfinal on Friday, 5 July.

Germany Celebrates After a Game Filled with Drama

This match and result are likely to be memorable for German fans, as their team delivered a performance that underscored their potential as strong contenders for the European Championship on home soil. Germany is now the highest-scoring team in the tournament with 10 goals.

Havertz had an early header saved and a late chance denied by Schmeichel, who also saved from Florian Wirtz in the closing stages.

The storm that caused the delay added to the night's drama, which included emotional highs and lows from VAR decisions. Musiala's excellent display ultimately lifted Germany.

Germany was frustrated when Schlotterbeck's early header was disallowed for obstruction, reminiscent of their disallowed goal in the Switzerland draw in their final group game.

However, key VAR decisions favored Germany in the second half. Denmark's equalizer was denied due to Delaney's offside position, and the penalty awarded for Andersen's handball led to the breakthrough.

Defensively, Germany had some concerns, as Denmark, who exited Euro 2024 without a win, should have scored in the first half when Rasmus Hojlund had a clear chance.

Ultimately, Germany's attacking prowess, led by Musiala, Wirtz, and Havertz, proved decisive.