Germany 2-1 Denmark: Frauenteam come from behind to secure quarter-final spot

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·9. Juli 2025

Germany 2-1 Denmark: Frauenteam come from behind to secure quarter-final spot

Despite a goalkeeping masterclass from Maja Bay Østergaard, goals from Sjoeke Nüsken and Lea Schüller sent Germany into the group stages of Euro 2025, knocking out Denmark in the process.

The never-ending fouls from both sides defined the second half of the match at St. Jakob-Park, as every player showed the passion required at this level of competitive football.

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This loss is devastating for Denmark, whose tournament came to an end following Sweden’s 3-0 win over Poland. For Germany, the three points will have provided a great deal of relief as there is now significantly less pressure resting on their final, and arguably most difficult, group game against the Swedes.

As it happened

A scrappy Denmark corner followed by a hopeful German counter-attack was the peak of excitement in the opening stages. It wasn’t until the 18th minute that there was a real chance, as Klara Bühl seemingly produced a goal for Germany. However, after a lengthy VAR check, it was disallowed due to Nüsken being in an offside position. This decision flattened the energy on the pitch for Christian Wück’s side as they struggled to keep up with the Danish side.

The score remained 0-0 until the 26th minute, when Amalie Vangsgaard slotted the ball past Ann-Katrin Berger at the near post, a stunning goal which pushed Denmark ahead. The Scandinavian pressure continued, with Pernille Harder’s progressive runs only just failing to get on the end of the attacking movements. German disappointment echoed around the stadium as the ball hit Frederikke Thøgersen’s arm, just inches outside the box as determined by another VAR check.

Østergaard made crucial back-to-back saves in the 40th minute, keeping her side in the game as Denmark faced an unrelenting period of heavy pressure. Another incredible save was made in the 44th minute, this time by Berger, as she managed to tip the ball over the crossbar. The added seven minutes at the end of the first half were tense, and a very end-to-end period saw both sides have chances which wouldn’t be converted.

A number of rough tackles from Germany set the tone of the second half, with Rebecca Knaak receiving a yellow card early on. A sensational double save from Østergaard was an incredible moment, as Andrée Jeglertz’s side refused to concede despite the intense German threat. However, just minutes later, a disappointing foul by Katrine Veje inside the box granted Germany a penalty to equalise the score. Nüsken comfortably found the back of the net despite not being Wück’s first choice penalty taker, with Giulia Gwinn missing the match after coming off injured versus Poland.

Schüller put Germany in the lead in the 66th minute with a ruthless finish off a sensational Jule Brand assist. This unsettled Denmark, alongside the forced removal of Emma Snerle from the action after she was taken down by her teammate in the build-up to the goal. Just minutes after, a remarkable headed effort by Schüller just went wide; Germany finally asserted their dominance on the pitch as yet another shot came from Giovanna Hoffmann just minutes after she entered play.

Signe Bruun bravely attempted to reach the end of a cross but collided with Berger, who only just managed to claim the ball as it rolled closely toward the line. Foul after foul consumed the game as both sides exemplified just how crucial the points from this fixture were. It was Østergaard once again who punched out the ball after a German corner and the following counter-attack was desperate yet close, as Denmark still managed to look dangerous to the German side who still sat above them.

Alas, this is how the game finished: Denmark just couldn’t do enough despite the threatening appearance.

Germany now advance into the quarter-finals, their next game against Sweden determining wether they place first or second in the group. As for Denmark, their elimnation was sealed later in the evening, as Scandinavian rivals Sweden comfortably defeated Poland. Both sides play again on Saturday at 20.00 BST [21.00 CEST].