German joy signals despair for Denmark
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E-mail Xinhua, June 18, 2012
Germany beat Denmark 2-1 on Sunday to score the full nine points from three games to advance to the quarterfinals as winners of Group B in the Euro 2012 tournament.
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Lars Bender's goal secured Germany's win and a spot in last 8 for Low's side. |
After a 1-1 first half tie, Denmark who lost to Portugal 3-2 earlier in the group, tried to import some urgency into their game, knowing a draw would still nullify their hope of advancing as Portugal then led 2-1 over the Netherlands.
Thus, Germany punished them in ruthless fashion as young full-back Lars Bender slotted the winner past Stephan Andersen for his first international goal in the 80th minute.
"Apart from my goal it was a great day for me. It was my first appearance at Euro and I scored the winning goal to help us reach the quarterfinals. I will remember this day for a very long time," said defender Bender.
Lukas Podolski gave Germany the lead on his 100th cap as he scored the opener in the 19th minute after Thomas Muller turned in the box and cut the ball back for the Arsenal striker who produced an emphatic finish from close range.
Michael Krohn-Dehli found the equaliser for Denmark with a firm header from a corner five minutes later.
With the win, Germany qualify as group B winners and will face Greece in the quarterfinals on June 22 in Gdansk, while Portugal who eventually beat the Netherlands 2-1, progress as runners-up and will take on the Czech Republic in Warsaw on June 21.
"Against Greece, it will be a completely different match," said Germany coach Joachim Low, "Nevertheless, they play a very similar game to the Danes. They are very dangerous in attack and strong in defence."
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