Potential lethal combo: Some observers believe Niclas Fuellkrug (left) and Kai Havertz can be deployed together. — AFP
DORTMUND: Having topped the group and with the whole nation behind his team, Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has tough decisions to make ahead of a last-16 clash with a Denmark side who have smouldered, but not yet caught fire at Euro 2024.
From Berlin to Braunschweig, the question on every German fan’s lips is who will start up front today, with Kai Havertz being preferred for the three Group A games and Niclas Fuellkrug coming off the bench to deliver much-needed goals.
After almost a decade of struggles at major tournaments, Germany had been riding high after dominant wins over Scotland and Hungary to start the Euros.
Germany, however, came crashing back down to earth against Switzerland and were on course for defeat, before Fuellkrug’s typically powerful stoppage time header snatched a draw – and with it, first place in the group.
It was a wake-up call the hosts needed, particularly with fans already eyeing a fourth Euros crown, and a reminder that coach Nagelsmann has plenty to work on.
For all his qualities, Havertz has not scored yet at the Euros, and against a Danish defence that ground its way to draws against England, Slovakia and Serbia, the power and physicality of Fuellkrug may prove the best option.
Some observers believe that Havertz and Fuellkrug could be deployed together.
“I can imagine Havertz playing one position further down (the pitch) ... he would be good as a false nine,” German World Cup winner Olaf Thon, who works as a pundit for German broadcaster Sport1, said.
Nagelsmann will also have to choose a replacement for centreback Jonathan Tah, who picked up his second yellow card of against the Swiss, the coach replacing him on the hour mark with Nico Schlotterbeck.
There’s also the history between the two side. Germany were famously beaten by the Danes in the Euro 1992 final.
Denmark’s triumph after failing to qualify and then being admitted following the pre-tournament exclusion of Yugoslavia became a fairytale, but Germany still lament taking the Danes lightly.
Euros and World Cup winner Berti Vogts coached Germany in that 1992 final and admitted in his column in the RP newspaper on Thursday that his team “underestimated” Denmark.
“In 1992 we lost the Euros final against a great Danish team even though we were the favourites – like the German team are now,” he wrote.
“Everyone thought we had the title in the bag – unfortunately some players did too.”
The Danes, who also made it into the semi-finals of Euro 2020 where they lost to England after extra time, have been nothing like the swashbuckling team of that tournament, scoring two goals and conceding two in three draws.
Coach Kasper Hjulmand is still struggling to find the balance between defensive solidity and attacking verve that has eluded him, but the introduction of winger Andreas Skov Olsen at half-time in the final group game may be an indication that he is willing to take more risks.
Denmark will also be missing a key player with midfielder Morten Hjulmand suspended, and either Thomas Delaney or Christian Norrgaard will slot in alongside Pierre-Emil Hojbjerg and behind Christian Eriksen in midfield, where Hjulmand expects the match to be won and lost.
“We have to close down the central space, at the same time as we have to play football. Germany are one of the hardest-pressing teams at the Euros, they win the ball back very quickly, so it’s important that we can play the ball around in there,” the Denmark coach said. — Agencies
