by Oliver Trust

BERLIN, June 28 (Xinhua) -- With Germany heading for their Euro 2024 last-16 duel against Denmark in Dortmund this Saturday after a final training session, the usual change of flags followed.

In the 2014 World Cup winners' base camp in Herzogenaurach, the gigantic white German jersey was replaced by the pink away shirt, indicating that Julian Nagelsmann's squad is traveling, and is set to play at Signal Iduna Park, Germany's biggest stadium, with the backing of up to 80,000 fans.

"I am sure we get that feeling as it is one of the most atmospheric arenas in Germany. That's an advantage," Germany and Borussia Dortmund striker Niclas Fullkrug stated.

The fans support might not be the most pressing concern for Nagelsmann, who might be forced to change both his central defenders, with Antonio Rudiger suffering with a muscle injury, and Jonathan Tah facing a one-match ban for an accumulation of yellow cards.

While Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck looks to deputise for Tah, the man next to him is still to be identified.

Stuttgart's Waldemar Anton or Dortmund midfielder Emre Can might fill the gap, while Fullkrug's good form so far in the tournament, with two goals, might influence Nagelsmann to change the frontline as well.

Fullkrug and Arsenal forward Kai Havertz are battling it out to play as the main striker, while Nagelsmann has spoken of keeping Fullkrug in reserve as a trump card, due to his ability to turn a game in the dying minutes.

Facing the first do-or-die issue on home soil, Schlotterbeck said that circumstances "have changed as it is the first knockout encounter."

Though they come into the game as favorites, Germany will be acutely aware of the Euro 1992 final, in which they surprisingly lost 2-0 to Denmark.

While Jamal Musiala is dreaming of a final against England, where he lived from the ages of seven to 16, the Bayern midfielder is confident in the team's ability to outpace Denmark.

"We have gained confidence and know we can turn games when necessary, and win this year's title," the 21-year-old stated.

With Havertz expected to start, Nagelsmann is said to rely on Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos, goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and captain Ilkay Gundogan as the load-bearing pillars, along with youthful enthusiasm from youngsters such as Musiala and Florian Wirtz.

Surviving the duel against Denmark might lead the host nation to a mouth-watering encounter against Spain, who face surprise package Georgia.

"For now, we think about Denmark. The job is challenging enough," Nagelsmann said. Enditem

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