Denmark's Hopes Dashed as Germany Secures 2-0 Win
Germany Advances to Quarterfinals Amidst Contentious Match with Denmark
Germany secured a spot in the quarterfinals of a major tournament for the first time in four years, defeating Denmark 2-0 in a match marked by controversy and weather delays. The game at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund was halted for 20 minutes in the first half due to bad weather, and referee Michael Oliver had to intervene after Joshua Kimmich illegally stopped Andreas Skov Olsen's header.
Kimmich's handball led to a penalty, but Joachim Andersen's potential equalizer for Denmark was disallowed due to Thomas Delaney's offside position in the build-up. Moments later, VAR Stuart Attwell deemed Andersen's handball in blocking David Raum's cross a penalty, which Kai Havertz calmly converted from 12 yards.
Despite Andersen's proximity to the cross, the penalty decision seemed harsh. However, Germany's second goal was undisputed, with Schlotterbeck finding Jamal Musiala's run, who blasted past Andersen to cross Kasper Schmeichel and secure a quarterfinal matchup against either Georgia or Spain.
In the incident where Andersen thought he had given Denmark the lead, three decisions had to be made. The English match officials first examined whether Christian Eriksen's free kick was initially offside, which was dismissed. They then investigated whether Thomas Delaney had committed a penalty offense during the second phase, but deemed the evidence insufficient to overturn the decision.
The Andersen handball incident was deemed compliant with current IFAB rules and interpretation. Since Andersen's body was outside the silhouette, preventing the ball from crossing, and his arm was extended, it was considered a punishable offense. This decision led to the penalty and Germany's 2-0 victory.
Afterwards, the Palace defender stated: “It was the referee who decided the game for us. It's the smallest offside I have ever seen in my career, to be honest. But of course, offside is offside.
“And then to give a penalty in this situation is for me is a crazy decision. Now, I've been playing in the Premier League for four years and the last two years, the referees before every season they come and explain all the rules.
“And this...they spoke about many times: the handball rule. And this is never a penalty. This is half a metre beside me and kicks the ball on my hand. What do you want me to do? That...they said that it'll be black or white. That will never be a penalty. And now an English ref gives this as a penalty. So, for me it's a crazy decision.”
“I'm always critical of defenders who put their hands behind their back, as their balance can't be right. But you feel for defenders now. I can't see that as a penalty.
“Does every defender now have to put their hands behind their back? You feel for Denmark. The spirit of the game - it's so unfair for that handball to go against them.”
Toni Rüdiger won man of the match.
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