Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand says Germany will have to be “very good” to beat his side in tomorrow’s Euro 2024 round of 16 match in Dortmund.
Germany progressed through Group A, although they needed Niclas Fullkrug’s late equalizer against Switzerland to secure top spot.
That set up a clash with Denmark, who finished second to England in Group C.
Hjulmand’s side have looked solid, if not unspectacular, so far and he predicts a tough night for the tournament hosts at Signal Iduna Park.
He said: “At first I took Germany as one of the favourites, it’s too bad that they will play against us tomorrow.” They have quality and talent, and have shown themselves very well in the team. But we also have quality and talent, and they will have to be very good to beat us.”
Round 16 games ✅
Eight ties in four nights 🍿@bookingcom | #EUROFixtures pic.twitter.com/H3KujpXc9S
– UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 28, 2024
Denmark have reached the semi-finals of Euro 2020 and Hjulmand expects his players to cope with the pressure, adding: “It is important that we believe in ourselves and in our abilities. We’ve played a lot of games with some really good teams over the last few years. We have always been very competitive, so we are strong in our team mentality and the way we play.
“We are very focused and can’t wait to get started. We have been aiming for this. We have come through a very difficult group, and we are ready. It’s a big deal for us, and we’re looking forward to giving them a big game tomorrow.”
Defender Jannik Vestergaard is delighted that Germany will go into the match as favorites and with the added pressure of playing in front of an expectant home crowd.
He said: “We know that winning this competition will disturb us. But we like to be under. Germany will be favourites, but we like to hurt our opponents a bit and play to our strengths.
“They are a very good team. They are at home. They will get amazing support from their fans on this platform. They will definitely be in abundance. So it’s a very difficult game for us, but it’s a game we still believe we can do something about, and we’re looking forward to it.”
Manchester United midfielder, Christian Eriksen, did not train today due to a stomach problem but is expected to be ready tomorrow.
Source link
