Denmark V Germany : UEFA Euro 2012 Match Preview

17 June 2012 16:48
High-flying Germans out to down Danes
A confident Germany are aiming to beat Denmark on Sunday in Lviv to finish top of Group B and set up a quarter-final near their base in Gdansk.
Having already flown to the Ukrainian cities of Lviv and Kharkiv for their respective wins against Portugal and Holland, Germany return to Lviv aiming to beat the Danes and book their place in the Gdansk quarter-final on June 22 against the Group A runner-up.
The Germans are not yet guaranteed a place in the knock-out phase and still need at least a point to be sure with the Group B runner-up facing a last eight clash in Warsaw on June 21 against the winner of Group A.
With three goals at Euro 2012, including two against Holland and the winning header against Portugal, Bayern Munich striker Mario Gomez has finally converted his impressive club form to German colours.
After an injury-hit season, Bayern midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger shook off the calf strain he suffered in the Champions League final to set up both Gomez's goals against the Dutch with pin-point passes.
Following their shock win over Holland and 3-2 defeat to Portugal, victory against Germany should put Denmark in the quarter-finals, but even a draw would be enough if the Netherlands beat Portugal in the other group match in Kharkiv.
No easy ride for Denmark
But Schweinsteiger and Germany have other ideas.
"We can approach the final game against Denmark with a lot of self-confidence - every victory gives you an extra push," said the 27-year-old.
"We definitely want to win that game against Denmark."
Germany coach Joachim Loew said his side have their destiny in their own hands after two wins in the "Group of Death".
"With this victory (against Holland) I think we've opened the door to the quarter-finals. It's now in our hands to make everything clear on Sunday," he said.
Germany will be without suspended right-back Jerome Boateng, who picked up his second yellow card against Holland, and Loew has hinted he may switch captain Philipp Lahm from the left or even play a three-man defence.
Danish wing Dennis Rommedahl will miss the game against Germany while midfielder Niki Zimling is a doubt after the pair suffered muscle injures in the defeat to Portugal.
Danish striker Nicklas Bendtner - who scored both their goals against the Portuguese - said his team have to show plenty of belief against the Germans.
"It's nice to know that we still stand a chance in this tournament," he said.
"We will have to do everything we can to get a good result against Germany. We are still in it.
"If we win against Germany, we are through. If we draw, other things must go our way. If we lose, we are out."
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Denmark V Germany - view commentary, squad, and statictics of the game live.

Source: AFP