Basel, Switzerland — Germany kept their European Championship campaign on track with a dramatic 2-1 win over Denmark in front of a record-breaking crowd of 34,165 at St Jakob-Park — more than double the 16,000 expected, with German fans treating the match as a home fixture.
First-Half Drama & VAR Interventions
Denmark stunned Germany early, grabbing a 1-0 lead within the first 20 minutes. Janni Thomsen dispossessed Lea Schüller, allowing Amalie Vangsgaard to pounce and fire past goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger, silencing the German-supporting crowd.
Germany responded with pressure and took a momentary lead when Klara Bühl’s strike was initially allowed, but VAR nullified it due to an offside call against Sjoeke Nüsken interfering with play. Moments later, Germany were denied another leveler after VAR overturned a refereeing decision awarding Germany a penalty when a suspected handball by Frederikke Thøgersen was deemed to have occurred outside the box.
Soft But Decisive Penalty Swings Momentum
The match-turning moment came in the second half when VAR alerted the referee to a perceived foul on Linda Dallmann inside the Danish box. The decision — unanimously described as “soft” — awarded Germany a penalty. Nüsken stepped up and coolly converted, firing low into the corner and sparking wild celebrations among fans.
Editor’s Pick: England Start Euro 2025 with 2-1 Loss to France in Group of Death Showdown
Injury Overshadows Germany’s Winner
Germany’s winning goal was scored under highly contentious circumstances. A powerful clearance from Denmark’s Emma Færge struck Emma Snerle in the face, leaving her dazed. The referee remarkably allowed play to continue, and moments later Jule Brand’s cutback was swept home by Schüller, giving Germany a 2-1 lead.
 |
| Emma Snerle lies on the turf after being clattered by a clearance, while Germany’s celebrations begin in the background. Photograph: Matthias Hangst/Getty Images |
Denmark manager Andrée Jeglertz voiced his concern post-match, questioning the referee’s decision not to halt play for Snerle’s head injury.
“If we have a player that has a serious head injury you need to blow the whistle and take responsibility as a referee. … I question those decisions.”
Germany coach Christian Wück echoed frustrations with timing and protocol: “I don’t know if the decisions are right or wrong but the football system has to work out how to speed that up.”
Denmark's Fate in the Balance
Denmark now wait anxiously for Sweden’s result against Poland in the late kick-off. Denmark must rely on Sweden failing to beat Poland if they are to keep their knockout hopes alive.
What’s Next for Germany?
Germany’s victory, controversial in its execution, secures them two wins from two matches and puts them nearly certain to qualify for the quarter-finals. Their final group match is a formality — but will they settle old scores against Denmark?
Check This Out: Novak Djokovic Hits 100 Wimbledon Wins with Ruthless Victory Over Kecmanovic
