Euro 2024 hosts Germany enter Saturday's last 16 clash with Denmark in Dortmund, hoping to have learned from their 1-1 draw with Switzerland in the final group stage match.
After nearly a decade of struggles in major tournaments, Germany had been riding high with dominant wins over Scotland and Hungary to start the Euros.
However, Germany was brought back down to earth against Switzerland, nearly facing defeat before Niclas Fuellkrug's stoppage-time header secured a draw and first place in the group.
The match served as a necessary wake-up call for the hosts, especially with fans already dreaming of a fourth Euros crown, and a reminder that coach Julian Nagelsmann still has work to do.
'WE UNDERESTIMATED THEM'
Germany boasts a more impressive trophy cabinet than their northern neighbors but were famously beaten by Denmark in the Euro 1992 final.
Denmark's triumph, after failing to qualify and then being admitted following the pre-tournament exclusion of Yugoslavia, became a fairytale. However, Germany still regrets underestimating the Danes.
Berti Vogts, a Euros and World Cup winner as a player, coached Germany in that 1992 final and admitted in his column in the RP newspaper on Thursday that his team "underestimated" Denmark.
"In 1992, we lost the Euros final against a great Danish team even though we were the favorites – like the German team is now," he wrote. "Everyone thought we had the title in the bag – unfortunately, some players did too."
Denmark, well-drilled and with a smattering of excellent players at top clubs, resemble Switzerland in many ways. The 2020 semifinalists may not boast the same level of quality as their 1992 counterparts, but the pressure is on the Germans.
"The Danes were hungry for success and carefree; they just played football and took us by surprise – also because we underestimated them. The German team should not make that mistake now. The Switzerland game was an important warning shot," Vogts said.
QUESTIONS FOR NAGELSMANN
Germany won just three of their 11 games in 2023, but they are unbeaten in 2024, with five wins and two draws. This success is partly due to Nagelsmann's consistency in selecting the same starting XI, only making changes due to injuries or unavailability.
This strategy, however, has cost Germany center-back Jonathan Tah for the Denmark clash, as he received a second yellow card against Switzerland. Borussia Dortmund's talented yet unpredictable Nico Schlotterbeck will replace him on Saturday.
Antonio Rudiger is also a doubt for the match with a hamstring injury. Schlotterbeck commented on Thursday, "I hope he returns. I've had the same injury, and it's not easy to shake off."
Schlotterbeck mentioned that the German team is well-prepared for Denmark. "We know everything about them—their match plan, defense, and offense. We're ready for them."
The 24-year-old is looking forward to playing in his home stadium, predicting that Dortmund's usual yellow wall will turn into a "wall of white."
While Tah's absence forces Nagelsmann to adjust, he might also consider replacing Arsenal forward Kai Havertz with Niclas Fuellkrug, who has scored twice off the bench. Since debuting at age 29 in 2022, Fuellkrug has netted 13 goals compared to Havertz's seven, despite usually coming off the bench.
Fuellkrug, who was playing second-division football just two seasons ago, is not concerned about his role as a supersub. "The title is much more important than individual roles," he said.