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Dortmund, Germany: Germany’s first knockout win in a major tournament in eight years will raise fans’ expectations that the former sporting powerhouse will be back to its best at Euro 2024, but coach Julian Nagelsmann said the players will not feel the pressure.
The hosts started brightly in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Denmark, with Nagelsmann describing their first 20 minutes as “the best in the whole tournament”, but then bad weather and the Danes dragged Germany into a tricky game.
“I don’t think we are under any more pressure than usual,” Nagelsmann told reporters. “I think the fans and the expectations of the fans are a huge motivation for us.”
“We can handle the pressure. For me it’s still a privilege and we tell the players that it’s a privilege to play under pressure. All the players are used to dealing with this situation so it’s no problem.”
Germany ultimately won comfortably and could have won by more than two goals if it weren’t for Kasper Schmeichel’s brilliant saves and wastefulness in front of goal.
The hosts also had the upper hand in the second half when the goal slipped, with Danish defender Joachim Andersen at the heart of the effort.
Anderson thought he had put Denmark ahead but his goal was ruled out for offside by Thomas Delaney before David Raum’s cross hit the defender’s arm, leading to a penalty kick that put Germany ahead in the 53rd minute.
Nagelsmann said the offside call was very close.
“I understand that the Danish team is annoyed by the decision, which was a harsh one, but that’s the way the rules are.
“Yes, (Anderson) did run, he didn’t mean to, but that’s the rule.
“So if the situation was the other way around, I would be angry too, but I have to accept the rules.”
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