Julian Nagelsmann insists his Germany side “can deal with the pressure” after they advanced to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 with a controversial 2-0 win over Denmark.
The victory in Dortmund was Germany’s first in the knockout stages of a major tournament since the European Championship in 2016.
Kai Havertz put them ahead from a hotly disputed penalty just two minutes after Denmark had a marginal offside call go against them that ruled out Joachim Anderson’s goal.
Nagelsmann said he understood the Danes’ frustration and admitted the penalty call was “quite harsh” but preferred to focus on his side’s display and the growing sense in Germany that this may be their year.
⚡ Jamal Musiala doubles Germany’s lead!
An incredible assist from Nico Schlotterbeck to set the 21-year-old away 😮💨#Euro2024 | #GERDEN pic.twitter.com/AH3KLI5Cs1
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 29, 2024
That, of course, brings pressure but the former Bayern Munich boss is confident his players can cope. He said: “I think we have no more pressure than usual.
“I think the fans and also the expectation of our fans is a big push for us.
“We can deal with the pressure. For me, it’s still a privilege and we also tell the players it’s a privilege to play soccer games under pressure. All the players are used to dealing with it, so it’s no problem.”
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Nagelsmann praised the Dortmund crowd for sticking with the team, adding: “It wasn’t an easy game. Denmark did very well and we were in a good phase of the match.
“We tried to force things, perhaps too much. Yet through the adversity – like against Switzerland – we came through, with help from the crowd. I’m proud of the team; they’re beginning to realise how good they really are.”
