DORTMUND, Germany — Germany’s remarkable record in the knockout stages of the Euro 2024 enters a new chapter in Dortmund on Saturday, with Denmark standing in the way of more glory for “Die Mannschaft”, as they are known at home, at the tournament.
Of the 10 times the Germans have made it out of the group stage at the Euros, they have gone on to reach the semi-finals on nine occasions and the final six. They are level with Spain with three titles.
Germany also boast the only man to win the tournament as a player and a coach in Bertie Vogts, who was victorious in 1972 and as manager in 1996, beating the Czech Republic 2-1 after extra time at Wembley.
However, that victory, almost 28 years ago to the day, remains the last time the Germans lifted the Henri Delaunay trophy, but even if Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann does not bring the cup home, his job is likely secure.
“Our commitment to Julian Nagelsmann will not change in any way, even if we are knocked out in the round of 16. Not all eliminations are the same – for us, the performance is crucial,” Andreas Rettig, managing director of the German FA (DFB) said according to Reuters.
It wasn’t always thus – West Germany, as they were at the time, did not enter the first tournaments in 1960 and 1964, and when they did decide to take part they did not qualify for the finals in Italy in 1968.
That lack of success was short-lived, however, and they made it all the way to the final in the next three tournaments, winning in 1972 and 1980 but losing to then-Czechoslovakia in 1976.
Their only three group-stage exits came in 1984, 2000 and 2004, and a round-of-16 loss in 2020 coupled with another group- stage departure at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar had lowered expectations ahead of this tournament.
A 5-1 win over Scotland and a dramatic late equaliser against the Swiss sent them through as Group A winners, however, setting them up for their last-16 clash with Denmark and igniting fan hopes of another deep run in the competition.
“If you want to become European champions you have to beat the really good ones,” striker Niclas Fuellkrug said after the draw against the Swiss.
“I think we’ve already shown what we are capable of in this tournament.”
Germany survived a scare to finish top of Group A as Niclas Fuellkrug’s stoppage-time goal rescued a 1-1 draw against Switzerland on Sunday.
Dan Ndoye’s first-half goal in Frankfurt had put Switzerland on course to climb above hosts Germany into top spot.
But Fuellkrug’s late header ensured Julian Nagelsmann’s side advanced to the last 16 in pole position with seven points.
“In the end it’s a well-deserved point. We did well to come back. We deserved it,” Nagelsmann said.
“Niclas is important for us. It’s important to have players who can score decisive goals coming on as substitutes.”
The Germans, who last won the Euros in 1996, will take on the Group C runners-up — currently slated to be Denmark — in the last 16.
Germany is also on track for a potential quarter-final clash with Spain, who has been among the best teams at the tournament so far.
Switzerland has now made the knockout stage in six successive major tournaments.
As Group A runners-up with five points, the Swiss will face the second-placed team in Group B in the last 16.
“We fought, but against such an opponent it’s difficult. We did a great job. It was a huge challenge,” said Switzerland coach Murat Yakin according to AFP.
Already through to the last 16 after beating Scotland and Hungary, Germany fell behind in the 28th minute.
Ndoye met Remo Freuler’s cross with a close-range volley that flashed past Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
Ndoye’s first international goal was made in Bologna as both he and Freuler played for the Serie A club last season.
Adding to Germany’s problems, Jonathan Tah was booked, earning the centre-back a ban for the first knockout game.
Germany dominated possession but Ilkay Gundogan scuffed wide with the goal at his mercy after Yann Sommer parried Jamal Musiala’s stinging strike into the midfielder’s path.
Their pressure was finally rewarded in stoppage-time when Fuellkrug rose highest to power his header into the top corner.
