What: Euro 2012 – Group B
Who: Denmark vs Germany
When: Sunday 17th June, 2012, at 19:45 UK Time
Where: Arena Lviv, Lviv, Ukraine

Looking for a Miracle

Denmark’s Euro 2012 campaign has, so far, been better than was widely expected. However, coach Morten Olsen quickly found a reason for regret, stating: “Silvestre Varela’s goal in the dying minutes of the game against Portugal was very disappointing, because once again we produced a good performance against a great opponent.”

After the surprise 1-0 win against Holland, Denmark confirmed they are stubborn and tough opponents when playing Portugal, recovering from two goals down in the first half. Considering that throughout the game the Danes lost, due to injury, two key players in the shape of Niki Zimling and Dennis Rommedahl, their comeback was even more impressive. Unfortunately for Olsen’s men though, Simon Poulsen’s lapse of defensive concentration allowed Varela to score and make it 3-2.

A draw here against Germany might not be enough for Denmark to qualify for the quarter-finals. For this reason, the Danes cannot see their situation compared to Euro 2004, when Denmark and Sweden played out a 2-2 draw that eliminated Italy; the Scandinavians were accused of a stich-up.

Manifested Superiority

Germany showed against Holland the difference between a team and a group of players who play together. The 2-1 win leaves Germany on the verge of the quarter-finals, but the scoreline could have been even greater in favour of Joachim Low’s men after they were simply superior right across the pitch.

Indeed, without the saves of an inspired Maarten Stekelenburg, Germany could have easily ended the game with at least two more goals. It was something Low appreciated: “We could have attacked a little better and been more dangerous in front of goal”, he said.

Cold-blooded composure in front of goal is one of the few things the Germans can still improve. Stars like Mesut Ozil, Lukas Podolski and Thomas Muller could learn from team-mate Mario Gomez, who has had possession of the ball for only 22 seconds in the first two Euro 2012 games, but scored three times; that is one goal every 7.3 seconds.

Germany just need to draw now to win the “Group of Death” and look unlikely to fail. Despite Low’s intention for his team to fly under the radar, it is clear that Germany are now firm favourites to win Euro 2012.

Recent form

Denmark:
Denmark 2-0 Australia (02/06; Friendly)
Holland 0–1 Denmark (09/06; Euro 2012)
Denmark 2–3 Portugal (13/06; Euro 2012)

Germany:
Germany 2-0 Israel (31/05; Friendly)
Germany 1-0 Portugal (09/06; Euro 2012)
Holland 1-2 Germany (13/06; Euro 2012)

Players to watch

Denmark – Nicklas Bendtner: A brace against Portugal and a lot of hard work for the team has been Bendtner’s answer to those who criticised him for failing to deliver on the big stage. The Arsenal striker’s 19th and 20th goals for his country, out of 50 games, have been good news for the Danes’ hopes of going further at Euro 2012. In fact, the lack of a prolific goalscorer was considered Denmark’s weak point – Bendtner has taken those worries away.

Germany – Mats Hummels: One of the most underrated centre-backs in Europe, Hummels was considered Per Mertesacker’s understudy in a team where the defence could be identified as the weakest link. After just one goal conceded in two games though and two superb performances from Hummels, Mertesacker may be bidding farewell to his place in Germany’s starting eleven.

Match Prediction

One thing is for certain, this will not be a friendly match. Both teams need points, especially underdogs Denmark. Olsen’s side need to play the perfect game and avoid making defensive mistakes of the type which caused defeat against Portugal. Germany start this as favourites and given their notorious fighting spirit, it is hard to imagine that they will gift anything to their opponents. Another victory for Germany is expected.

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