Denmark’s footballers around Thomas Delaney (l.) have so far been the European Championship experts in neutralization.
Photo: image/Nordphoto
When Thomas Delaney stepped up to a lectern in the media area of the Munich Arena around midnight, the Danish national soccer player was vaguely reminiscent of a government spokesman. The podiums and microphones built especially for the European Championships actually have a state-supporting effect. Delaney, 32, was suitable for his “diplomatic” mission before the round of 16 against the German team on Saturday in Dortmund but also because he spent many years in the country of the European Championship hosts for Werder Bremen (2017 to 2018), Borussia Dortmund (2018 until 2021) and TSG Hoffenheim (2023).
Above all, Delaney struck the necessary tone between respect and confidence: “I’m happy, of course,” said Delaney, even though the German team was “one of the biggest favorites” of the tournament. There could have been easier opponents, “but we play for the big moments,” he continued. It will definitely be one for him in Germany’s largest stadium at his old place of work: “It doesn’t get much bigger.” Who does he have the most respect for among his opponents? “Above all,” replied the diplomat without a suit, stepping down from the podium with a mischievous smile.
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Previously, Delaney and his colleagues had only briefly thanked their supporters after the final whistle. There was little reason for extensive celebrations after the 0-0 draw against Serbia late on Tuesday evening. The performance was too manageable to tend to exuberance and excess. The optimism before the knockout game against Germany still seems to be great.
“I have a good feeling for this game,” said coach Kasper Hjulmand. For the former Mainz trainer, Germany is “one of the closest favorites with its great football culture.” But the 52-year-old sees no reason for pessimism. The coach resolutely rejected the question, which is less suitable for the diplomatic service, as to whether Hjulmand was worried that his team might have no chance against the German selection. »No chance? In football?” After a stern look and a short pause, he replied: “No, of course we have a chance. Germany is the clear favorite, but we have a great team.”
However, the Danes’ tournament performances so far have only been partially convincing. Above all, their offensive game was not particularly scary against Serbia. At least, said attacker Youssuf Poulsen, who, like in Leipzig, is also a supplementary player in the national team: “We defended very well in all three games. That is the basis for moving forward.«
The 1-1 draw against Slovenia was followed by a 1-1 draw against England and now the third draw in which the Danes even ran the risk of missing out on the round of 16 in the second half against actually staid Serbs. The video referee apparently classified Joakim Mæhle’s hold on Aleksandar Mitrovic in the penalty area as not worthy of intervention. In addition, the Danes only took second place ahead of the Slovenians, who had the same number of points and goals, because they received fewer yellow cards. The respective players had seen the same number. But Slovenia’s assistant coach Milivoje Novakovic was also warned. That was the deciding factor.
Coach Hjulmand believes that the chances of reaching the quarter-finals against the hosts are good, based on various experiences from the past. “When we play against the big nations, we always perform well,” the Dane recalled, pointing out that his country had a balanced tournament record of 2-2 wins against Germany. However, the last meeting at the European Championships in 2012 was twelve years ago. The two most recent test matches in 2019 and 2021 ended 1-1. But what does that mean? “One goal can make a big difference in tournaments,” predicted Youssuf Poulsen. “We have a good foundation, but we have to make better use of our opportunities.” Maybe. But there weren’t very many of them against Serbia either.
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