Going all out: Denmark’s Jannik Vestergaard (left) vying for the ball with Serbia’s Luka Jovic during the Group C match. — AFP
MUNICH: Denmark’s goalless draw with Serbia on Tuesday means they will be up against a mountain in hosts Germany in the last 16, but defender Jannik Vestergaard backed his underdog side, saying “everything is possible”.
“The Germans are a strong team. We need a really strong performance and to stop Germany from showing their best form.
“Everything is possible,” Vestergaard told MagentaTV after the game when asked about the next game in Dortmund on Saturday.
Along with Spain, Germany have won the Euros a record three times but were defeated in the final of the 1992 edition in Sweden by Denmark, the only time the Danes lifted the trophy.
Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, whose father Peter was part of the Danish team that shocked the footballing world in 1992, is relishing the chance to take on the host nation in the last 16.
“It’s going to be great against Germany; if we don’t believe in our chances, we might as well go home,” he said.
Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand, who was on the edge of his seat for much of the second half of match against Serbia called Germany “one of the favourites” for the tournament but said he “had a good feeling about the game”.
“Playing against Germany (in Dortmund) with the Danish team, it couldn’t be better. It’s a great team but we’re a great team as well and when we play the big nations, we always step up,” said the 52-year-old.
“There are a few things in the attack that we have to tweak in order to succeed but I know that we can we can do that. We have some great players there.”
Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen was named man of the match in his 133rd game for Denmark, setting the all-time appearances record.
“Being named player of the match, it’s something extra,” said Eriksen.
“I’m very pleased we’re through to the knockouts - that’s what I hoped for.”
Eriksen’s low corner allowed Jonas Wind to score in the first half, but the goal was chalked off as the ball went out.
The midfielder also created an excellent chance for Vestergaard with 25 minutes remaining, but the Leicester City defender headed straight at Serbia’s goalkeeper.
Serbia had a goal ruled out midway through the second half when Luka Jovic was found to be offside in the build-up. — Agencies
