Group leaders Germany, who are tipped to dethrone Spain of their European Champions’ title, will face third placed Denmark at the Lviv Arena, in Lviv on Sunday 17th June, in a high stakes encounter.
It is a must win game for Morten Olsen’s men, if they are to qualify for the quarter-finals. Germany, on the other hand, defeated Oranje to boost their chances of sealing qualification to the next round. Denmark will face any early
exit in event of a loss.
Denmark
The Danes sprung the first surprise of the tournament by beating Netherlands. Bert Van Marwijk’s side were frustrated throughout the match, as they failed take any of their chances.
In their second game of the Group B against Portugal, the Olsen gang found themselves 2-0 down early on in the game, but were on level terms in the second half, through an inspired Nicklas Bendtner brace. The Danes were left kicking
themselves when Sebastian Varela pounced on a loose ball and volleyed it home from 15 yards to give Paulo Bento’s men the lead.
Germany
Die Mannschaft were not at their best in the opening fixture against Portugal, but managed to grind out a win. In the following fixture against Netherlands, Joachim Low’s side justified their favourites’ tag by beating Oranje convincingly.
Bert Van Marwijk’s side were tipped as tournament favourites along with Die Nationalelf, but were outclassed by a much superior German side. An impressive brace from Mario Gomez was enough to defeat a lowly Dutch side. Now it is
safe to say that Low’s troops are capable of ending the Spanish domination.
Team news
The Danes are expected to be without their experienced winger Dennis Rommedahl, who picked up a hamstring injury in the 3-2 loss to Portugal. The 33-year old is expected to be replaced by Tobias Mikkelsen. Midfielder Niki Zimling,
also suffered a similar injury, but he is expected to make a swift recovery in time to feature against Germany. Jores Okore is also a doubt for the game in Lviv.
Expected line-up:
Andersen, Jacobsen, Kjaer, Agger, Simon Poulsen, Kvist Jorgensen, Mikkelsen, Eriksen, Krohn-Dehli, Bendtner
Joachim Low with is likely to make a few changes to the team that defeated Netherlands. Mario Gomez is likely to be rested and Miroslav Klose is set to replace the tournament’s joint top scorer.
Lahm is set to replace the suspended Jerome Boateng, and Marcel Schmelzer will slot in at left-back. Mesut Ozil will be rested as the players are not used to playing hot conditions, Toni will take his place in the centre. Schurrle will
be deployed on the left wing as Podolski will be given a breather after two exhausting encounters.
Expected line-up:
Neuer, Lahm, Hummels, Schmelzer, Schweinsteiger, Kroos, Muller, Schurrle, Klose.
Players to watch
If he is not charged by UEFA for his underwear gaffe, then Nicklas Bendtner will be the main man for Denmark. With his height and aerial ability, he can surely cause Mats Hummels and Badstuber some problems, as the Germans have
not really featured against a striker who likes sit between the centre backs and trouble them in the air.
Denmark will use route one football to give Joachim Low’s defenders something to think about. Other than Bendtner Simon Kjaer will be another youngster who will be in the spotlight because he will be up against Miroslav Klose who
will try his best to score a goal that will make him Germany’s leading goal scorer ahead of Gerd Muller.
From the DFB eleven camp, as mentioned earlier if he starts then Miroslav Klose will be the player to watch. The veteran striker who plies hi trade in Italy with Lazo will be looking to get on the score sheet. Toni is a younger
who is aching to start for his country and he expressed his dissatisfaction at being a bit part player. The Bayern Munich midfielder will most definitely get the nod and he will take it with both hands.
Prediction
As we know Denmark need a win to progress to the quarter finals, whereas Germany only need a point as they sit at the top of the Group B table.
Both sides will go for the win; it will be a highly contested encounter, but Die Mannschaft will edge their Scandinavian counterparts, by the slightest of margins.
Verdict: Denmark 1-2 Germany
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