Germany reach quarter-finals after VAR drama
Germany are through to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 after a 2-0 win over Denmark that was influenced by some controversial VAR decisions.
The Germans started the game on the front foot and looked to have taken the lead after just four minutes when Nico Schlotterbeck headed home Toni Kroos' corner. However, the goal was disallowed as Joshua Kimmich was adjudged to have fouled Andreas SKov Olsen.
Julian Nagelsmann's side continued to push for an opener, but Kasper Schmeichel kept them at bay with a series of important saves.
The Danes then began to grow into the game and Christian Eriksen had a shot blocked by Antonio Rüdiger in the 21st minute after controlling a long diagonal ball well.
But just as the game was beginning to look more balanced, a fierce thunderstorm broke out and referee Michael Oliver was forced to stop play in the 35th minute.
Play resumed 20 minutes later and Schmeichel made another fine save to keep out a close-range header from Kai Havertz.
Just before the break, Rasmus Højlund almost scored at the other end, but Manuel Neuer made a good save to deny him after he tried to get the ball over the keeper to finish off a counterattack.
Denmark seemed to have made the perfect start to the second half when Joachim Andersen scored from a set piece. However, the goal was disallowed after a VAR review when Thomas Delaney was adjudged to have been offside in the build-up.
Things went from bad to worse for Andersen shortly afterwards at the other end of the pitch, and again after a VAR review. The centre-back was adjudged to have handled David Raum's cross and the referee pointed to the spot, with Kai Havertz stepping up to convert.
Havertz missed a glorious chance to double the lead in the 66th minute, before Rasmus Højlund was again denied by Manuel Neuer at the other end.
Then, in the 68th minute, Jamal Musiala made it 2-0 when he latched onto Nico Schlotterbeck's through ball and fired past Schmeichel.
That goal seemed to take the last breath out of the Danes, and Germany held on for the win. Second-half substitute Florian Wirtz found the back of the net in stoppage time, but his goal was also disallowed for offside.
Julian Nagelsmann's side will now face the winner of Sunday's Spain-Georgia match in the quarter-finals.