Die Mannschaft look to overcome Denmark
Match Facts
Group D: Germany vs Denmark
Wednesday, 17 June 2012
21:45 (local time); 14:45(EST); 00:15(IST)
Lviv Arena, Lviv
Going into the last round of matches in the ‘Group of Death’ none of the teams has qualified and all teams have a chance of qualification. In a repeat of a famous final of this tournament twenty years ago Germany and Denmark will battle to decide who will go home as victims of the group of Death.
Germany will go into the match as the favourites as the only team in the tournament to have won their first two matches. However Germany will be wary of the Danes who defeated them in the final of this tournament two decades ago in a huge upset. Although Germany may qualify even if they lose they would have to depend on results in the other match. A draw would be enough for them which would be perfect for German team of old adept at grinding out results but this team does not play with that mindset and will go for the win.
Denmark started upsetting Netherlands. They fought back from two goals down to tie the match against Portugal only to lose by conceding a late goal. This loss has left the group wide open a draw would have put them in a much better position. Now they have to go for the win. Any other result would leave them dependant on the results of the other match. Denmark is the master of their own destiny but can they upset the much fancied Germans? They would do well to take inspiration from the final match of the 1992 edition when they did just that.
Form Guide
Germany was very impressive in their match against the Dutch. They were in control for most of the match. They allowed the Dutch to come at them and hit them with incisive attacks with pace. Later they controlled possession as well putting on a great display of passing and movement. They should have won the match by a much bigger margin than which the final score was. The mid-field was very impressive drawing opposition players away. And that man Mario Gomez is scoring goals for free.
Denmark played the prefect counterattack game in their first match against Netherlands. They were outplayed but had all their shots on goal. In the match against Portugal they went behind and came back playing a more attacking brand of football. Although they were susceptible to the counter attack with pace a game which Germany are masters of. They have to create some chances and hope to put them away.
Germany: LLWWW
Denmark: LLWWL
Teams & Formations
Germany will go in with the same formation of 4-2-3-1. The manager Joachim Loew has to make a change as Jerome Boateng is suspended. Lars Bender and Benedikt Howedes are the likely substitutes. There is also the option of moving Philipp Lahm on the right and playing Marcel Schmelzer as left back. The central defensive pairing has looked solid with Hummels and Badstuber both playing well. Badstuber will have to be careful not to pick up a yellow card which would make him miss the next match. The mid-field is in impressive form with Schweinsteiger, Ozil and Muller all looking impressive. Lukas Podolski who will be winning his 100th cap today has been strangely subdued in his performance and Loew will hoping for him to come good in his landmark match. Mario Gomez has been outstanding form and he will look add to his three goals in the tournament.
Germany(4-2-3-1): Manuel Neuer; Lars Bender; Mats Hummels; Philipp Lahm; Sammy Khedira; Bastien Schweinsteiger; Thomas Muller; Mesul Ozil; Lukas Podolski; Mario Gomez
Manager: Joachim Loew
Denmark has played in a very similar system which is being compact at the back and create chances on the break and score a goal. This team has been very good at hitting the target with 14 out of their 17 shots in their first two matches. Denmark will start with 4-2-3-1. The very experienced Dennis Rommedahl is injured and Tobias Mikkelson will start in his place. The Danish team will look to sit back and allow the Germans to have possession and hit them on the break. The problem with this system is that Germany will create chances and can convert a few of them. Nicklas Bendtner scored twice against Portugal and he will be hoping for an encore against the Germans. The Danish defence has to figure out a way to stop Mario Gomez otherwise their progress in the tournament will be difficult.
Quotes
“We have not qualified yet, it will be a tight, difficult match as Denmark too have hopes of reaching the last eight. Those who saw Denmark as outsiders before the tournament were wrong; we always knew they would be a threat as they’re compact and dangerous on the break. We will not underestimate them and I’ll not be letting anyone have a day off. If I make changes it will be because it’s beneficial for the team.” –Joachim Loew German Manager.
“This group has lived up to expectations, we’re all very equal, though we’ve perhaps surprised more than most. Maybe the Dutch have disappointed the most, but they were given a lifeline by Portugal’s late goal. If that hadn’t happened then the Netherlands would have been on their way home – sometimes you need a little luck from the other games.” –Morten Olsen Denmark Manager
About Kinshuk Biswas
Kinshuk Biswas is an architect by education, a consultant by profession, a quizzer, writer and an absolute football fanatic by choice. Follow him at http://confessionsofastonedmind.blogspot.com
