- Andrew Cunneen
- Mon, Jun 18 2012
Germany maintained their perfect one hundred per cent record in the competition as a late goal from Lars Bender sealed the win for Joachim Loew’s side. An early goal from Lukas Podolski was cancelled out by a Michael Krohn-Dehli header in the first half, but Bender was on hand just ten minutes from time to secure a two-one win for the Germans.
Thomas Muller could have had his side two goals to the good in this tie inside the first ten minutes but a combination of poor technique and an inspired save from Andersen ensured that it remained scoreless.
Those misses were not to be regretted for too much longer however. On his one hundredth appearance for the German national side, Lukas Podolski put them in front. After a fantastic passing move from the Germans, a kind deflection helped the ball into the path of the milestone man, who tapped home from six yards; a perfect way to mark his night.
Just as you thought Germany might go onto win the game comfortably, Denmark struck. From a well drilled cross, Nicklas rose highest to nod the ball toward Michael Krohn-Dehli in the six yard box. His header flew over the helpless Manuel Neuer in the Germany goal to draw the sides back level.
Mesut Ozil provided the next chance for Germany. His well measured ball found his centre half Mats Hummels at the far post. He looked destined to score, but Andersen prevented him from doing so with a spectacular save while at full stretch.
The second half provided Denmark with the first real opportunity as Nicklas Bendtner found his team mate Jakob Poulsen. His effort was mere inches away from smashing into the back of the German net.
Andre Schurlle came off the bench half way through the second period and tested Andersen from distance. Andersen was not to be caught out though. The former Charlton Athletic stopper palmed away to safety.
Just as it looked like Denmark might find a late goal to somehow win the game, Germany broke their hearts. A swift attack down the left hand side saw a cross come into the box, destined for Miroslav Klose. The veteran somehow missed the ball, but Bender’s energetic run from right-back caught everyone by surprise as he rocketed the ball into the bottom corner, and in doing so, sending the German fans into raptures.
The last ten minutes flew by without much to note. The best chance of an equaliser fell to Daniel Agger from a well delivered corner moments after Bender’s strike, but the Liverpool defender could not keep his effort down.
Another win for Germany justifies their tag of being one of the favourites while Denmark won’t be too disheartened by their showing in this year’s Championships. The Germans progress to the last eight while Denmark’s dreams of repeating the historic tournament win in 1992 can be put to bed.
Germany: Manuel Neuer; Lars Bender, Mats Hummels, Holgar Badstuber, Philip Lahm; Thomas Muller (Toni Kroos 89), Sami Khedira, Bastian Schwiensteiger, Mesut Ozil; Lukas Podolski (Andre Schurrle 64), Mario Gomez (Miroslav Klose 73).
Subs not used: Tim Wiese, Ron-Robert Zieler, Marcel Schmelzer, Benedikt Howedes, Per Mertesacker, Ilkay Gundogan, Mario Gotze, Marcus Reus, Jerome Boateng.
Denmark: Stephan Andersen; Lars Jacobsen, Simon Kjaer, Daniel Agger, Simon Poulsen; Christian Eriksen, William Kvist, Niki Zimling (Christian Poulsen 79); Michael Krohn-Dehli, Jakob Poulsen (Tobias Mikkelsen 85), Nicklas Bendtner.
Subs not Used: Anders Lindegaard, Thomas Kahlenberg, Andreas Bjelland, Jores Okore, Nicklas Pedersen, Michael Silberbauer, Daniel Wass, Dennis Rommedahl, Lasse Schone.
Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)
Extratime.ie Man of the Match: Mats Hummels.
