June 19 – Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said his team is “not done yet” as they prepare to face Denmark in the last-16 of Euro 2024.
Nagelsman says images of fans celebrating in the streets inspired the hosts to continue their Euro 2024 run, saying the “special” scenes reminded him of the 2006 World Cup on home soil.
That year, hosts Germany reached the semi-finals before losing to eventual champions Italy in extra-time in Dortmund – where Saturday’s knockout tie takes place.
The 2006 World Cup became known in Germany as the ‘summer fairytale’ for the tournament’s positive impact both on and off the pitch.
“It’s special when we see the pictures and videos of the fans and how they celebrate in the cities,” said the 36-year-old. When we talk about 2006 it’s always about that, we don’t talk about the results, we don’t talk about the games. At the moment I feel the same. We’re not done yet.”
After three premature exits in recent tournaments, the Germans have staged something of a revival.
“We’re extremely well prepared for things and will go to bed calmly this evening,” Nagelsman said on the eve of the Denmark game. “I’ve got great trust in the team, I know what’s inside of them and what they are capable of delivering.”
“Denmark are a very well-organised team. They have a lot of experienced players in the squad and a clear structure, so are a tough opponent.”
Borussia Dortmund forward Niclas Fullkrug is pressing for a start having come off the bench to score a stoppage-time equaliser against the Swiss in Frankfurt while centre-back Jonathan Tah must serve a suspension.
The German media are full of speculation that Fullkrug may start in place of Arsenal’s Kai Havertz or Bayer Leverkusen wonderkid Florian Wirtz who went into the summer as one of the brightest young talents in world football after a stellar season in Xabi Alonso’s historic title-winning team. “I’ve made my decision for tomorrow, but I will not tell you,” said the coach.
German legend Lothar Matthaus has warned the hosts not to underestimate their knockout stage opponents.
“The Danes are a very disciplined and organised team. We always talk about the big names in a team. But individual players don’t always make the difference at this European Championship. Every team can hurt every other team in this tournament,” Matthaus wrote in a column for Sport.de.
“The Danes are an uncomfortable opponent. On paper, you’d say it’s not England, it’s not Spain, it’s not Portugal. Denmark, like Switzerland, is not full of superstars like England, Spain, Portugal or France and Germany.
“But Denmark have good, internationally experienced players who all play for top clubs in Europe. You saw that when FC Bayern played FC Copenhagen in the Champions League group stage: It didn’t just come to them, it was hard work. And that’s exactly the kind of hard work the DFB team will have to put in in the round of 16.”
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