Nico Schlotterbeck shines as Germany book Euro 2024 quarterfinals spot

Germany are through to the quarterfinals of the European Championship after goals from Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala helped them claim a 2-0 win over Denmark on Saturday.

Fans were treated to an exhilarating round of 16 tie in Dortmund on Saturday evening, with Euro 2024 hosts Germany coming out on top in the end against a resolute Denmark side. Amid fierce lightning and thunder, Julian Nagelsmann’s side booked their place in the quarterfinals where a daunting test against Spain or Georgia awaits.

Germany started the game on the front foot and were unlucky not to be a goal up after three minutes when Nico Schlotterbeck headed home from Toni Kroos’ corner. But the Borussia Dortmund defender’s goal was ruled out for a rather soft foul call.

Buoyed by the rapturous crowd at the Westfalenstadion, Germany continued to press on for the breakthrough. But they were met with a determined Denmark side that defended with great tenacity. The Danes also looked dangerous on the counter-attack, and Manuel Neuer had to be at his best to deny Rasmus Højlund after he was brilliantly set up by former BVB midfielder Thomas Delaney.

A marginal offside call then prevented Denmark from taking the lead early in the second-half. Just a few minutes later, Germany were awarded a penalty thanks to a handball inside the box from Joachim Andersen.

Kai Havertz stepped up to open the scoring from the spot, and Germany never looked back. Schlotterbeck then set up Jamal Musiala for Germany’s second goal. The Bayern Munich star got on the end of the centre-back’s sublime long ball and fired the ball into the corner to secure Germany’s progress to the quarterfinals.

Euro 2024: Switzerland stun Italy to set up England/Slovakia quarterfinal

Switzerland are also through to the Euro 2024 quarterfinals after upsetting the odds to defeat reigning champions Italy 2-0. Remo Freuler opened the scoring for Switzerland, before Augsburg winger Ruben Vargas added a second with a sublime strike.

Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel was once again an unused substitute, with Yann Sommer starting in goal for Switzerland.