VAR takes centre stage as Germany defeats Denmark
UEFA Euro 2024 host Germany booked its place in the quarter-finals, with Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala scoring in a 2-0 victory over Denmark that was influenced by two crucial technology decisions with the score at 0-0.
The tournament's joint-leading scorer, Musiala, curled in a wonderful strike after a Havertz penalty to send Denmark crashing out of the tournament.
Nico Schlotterbeck and Joachim Andersen were earlier denied openers after VAR reviews early in each half, while the game was also paused for close to half an hour amid a torrential downpour in Dortmund.
At the end of a dramatic encounter, Denmark is heading home while Germany has set up a meeting with either Spain or Georgia in Stuttgart.
Denmark got an early let-off as Schlotterbeck saw what would have been his first international goal ruled out for a foul by Joshua Kimmich in the build-up, after the defender headed home from a corner inside four minutes.
Germany kept the pressure on, with Kasper Schmeichel making a string of fine saves to keep out Kimmich, Schlotterbeck and Kai Havertz before Antonio Rudiger smothered Christian Eriksen’s shot at the other end.
A heavy storm brought the first half to a halt after 35 minutes but a near-30-minute break only revitalised Germany, with Havertz's header smothered by Schmeichel before Schlotterbeck sent another effort just wide.
On the stroke of half-time, the host's defence was cut wide open, but Manuel Neuer rushed out to smother Rasmus Hojlund’s first-time effort.
There was more drama early in the second half as Crystal Palace centre back Andersen, who drilled his strike into the back of the net, was also denied a first international goal for a tight offside call against Thomas Delaney.
Almost immediately the other end, Andersen was penalised as David Raum's cross brushed his hand in the box, and with a penalty awarded after a VAR review, Havertz slotted into the bottom-right corner.
Havertz looked sure to double his tally minutes later after a lovely bit of skill to get in behind Denmark, only to dink his shot over Schmeichel and wide of the far post, while Neuer stood tall to deny Hojlund as Denmark chased an equaliser.
However, Germany got its all-important second through Musiala in the 68th minute, moving the ball upfield in three passes before the youngster curled in his third goal of the tournament.
Florian Wirtz thought he had added some gloss to the scoreline in stoppage-time when he poked the ball into an empty net, but he became the third man to be denied by an offside decision.