The Round of 16 fixtures of the European Championships took center stage with Kai Havertz leading the line for Germany against Denmark. There were whispers on who was going to get the nod between Havertz or Niklas Fullkrug, but from the team selection, it was evident who the preferred center forward was.
Germany started as a house on fire with Joshua Kimmich sent a piledriver that was parried by Kesper Schmeichel. Prior to that, Nico Schlotterbeck scored from a thumping header, but VAR identified an infringement observed from Kimmich. The onslaught continued when Toni Ruediger lofted a sumptuous ball to Havertz, that fired a first-time shot that was saved by Schmeichel. The highlight of the half arrived when Joachim Andersen sent a ball into orbit and it was controlled majestically by Christian Eriksen. Sadly the finish didn’t match the buildup.
The incremental weather wasn’t making things any better as the ref cancelled the game temporarily. Thankfully, the game resumed and Denmark almost got the lead when Eriksen launched an attack with a lovely pass to Delaney who drew Ruediger to himself before setting up Rasmus Hojlund whose clipped finish was saved by Manuel Neuer.
Denmark got themselves in the lead when Andersen scored via a goalmouth scramble but VAR identified an offside player in the buildup to the goal. Andersen turned from potential hero to flat out zero when David Raum’s cross to the box clipped off his hands, leading to a penalty. Havertz stepped up, side-footed the ball to the corner, despite Schmeichel guessing right. Germany made it two when Schlotterbeck floated an amazing ball to Jamal Musiala, that bore down on goal and finished it past Schmeichel.
This result sent Germany to the quarterfinals, and they await the winner of the Spain vs. Georgia clash.
Early on, Switzerland decimated Italy, in what was a rather shocking game for the defending champions. Gigi Donnarumma was undoubtedly their best player and Spalleti will need to go back to the drawing board with this team, that’s if he’s not sacked.
Today’s action will see England take on Slovakia and Spain vs. Georgia.
Sayonara.
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