Denmark have backs to the wall before crucial clash against German neighbours

After their 1-0 defeat at the hands of bitter Scandinavian rivals, Sweden, Denmark have their backs to the wall before they take on Germany at the Women's Euro tonight.

Denmark will be unable to reach the quarter-finals if they lose to Germany and Sweden avoid defeat by Poland but that could be a tall order for Andree Jeglertz's side as the Germans who are one of the favourites for the tournament title beat Denmark comfortably 3-0 the last time the two sides met in a Nations League match in December 2023.

Germany made a confident start to their campaign, beating Poland 2-0 in St.Gallen thanks to two second-half goals.

Jule Brand broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute with an unstoppable effort from outside the box, before she provided the assist for Lea Schuller to double Germany’s advantage.

Germany have now recorded no less than six consecutive wins, scoring 26 goals in the process. In addition, Christian Wuck's side have also kept four clean sheets in their last five matches. 

Denmark have had their taste of success in the recent history of the European Championships as they reached the semi-finals in 2013 before finishing as runners-up to the Netherlands in 2017.

However, they struggled to find the same form in 2022, when they suffered an early exit as they were eliminated in the group stages of the tournament. 

The Danes fought well but could do nothing about Filippa Angeldal’s second-half effort, which left them empty-handed in their opening match against Sweden. 

Jeglertz's side will desperately be looking to restore morale heading into the clash as they have lost three of their previous four internationals, which will certainly not give them extra confidence ahead of what looks to be a very tricky encounter with the record European champions. 

The Germans will be severely handicapped for the rest of the tournament as captain Giulia Gwinn sustained a medial cruciate ligament injury in the opening game, which could see Carlotte Wamser take over as right back against the Danes.

Josefine Hasbo is a possible option if Jeglertz wants to reorganize his midfield, which struggled against Sweden, while Signe Bruun could be handed a chance to shine in the Danish attack against a well-organized German rearguard. 

Predicted team line-ups:

Germany: Berger; Linder, Knaak, Minge, Wamser; Nüsken, Senß; Bühl, Dallmann, Brand; Schüller

Misses next match if booked: None

Denmark: Ostergaard; Veje, Ballisager, Faerge; S Holmgaard, Snerle, K Holmgaard, Thogersen; Harder, Vangsgaard, Thomsen

Misses next match if booked: Snerle