Germany’s 2-0 win against Denmark in the Euro 2024 round of 16 was met with jubilation by home fans despite the heavy rain and hail that disrupted the game. The final whistle was accompanied by a rendition of the song “Major Tom,” which has become the unofficial anthem for the tournament. However, fortune played a role in Germany’s victory, as two decisions left the Danish camp furious. The first decision involved a goal ruled out for offside using semi-automated offside technology, and the second was a penalty awarded to Germany for a handball. Denmark’s coach, Kasper Hjulmand, expressed frustration with these VAR decisions, calling them decisive moments in the game. Pundits and former players also criticized the decisions, highlighting the difficulty defenders face with the new ruling on handballs.
Denmark’s disappointment at the decisions was compounded by their inability to secure a win in the group stage. They believed they had taken the lead in the second half when Joachim Andersen scored, but the goal was eventually ruled out for offside. The Danish camp even provided photographic evidence showing how marginal the offside call was. The handball decision that led to the penalty was made just 16 seconds after Andersen’s goal had been disallowed, further infuriating Hjulmand and his team. Pundits agreed with their frustrations, emphasizing that defenders should not have to play with their arms behind their backs.
In contrast, Germany’s performance and growing belief in their chances of winning the tournament were evident. Despite mixed results leading up to Euro 2024, their 5-1 victory against Scotland in their opening game set a positive tone. They possess a combination of exciting attacking talent and experienced players, making them a formidable force. With 10 goals in their four games so far, they are the highest-scoring team in the tournament. Manager Julian Nagelsmann believes there is still room for improvement and wants to see his team pick up the pace in possession. The win against Denmark has further solidified Germany’s belief that they can compete with any team in the tournament.
Overall, the VAR decisions in the Germany vs. Denmark game sparked controversy and frustration among the Danish camp, pundits, and former players. The handball rule, in particular, was criticized for hindering defenders and changing the nature of defending. Germany’s victory and strong performance have increased their confidence and belief in their ability to challenge for the European Championship title. Despite the controversy surrounding the decisions, the tournament continues to captivate fans and provide exciting moments on the pitch.