Denmark with a Major Loss: 'We will need what Hjulmand does'

Denmark advanced to the Round of 16 in the Copa América by finishing second in Group C, behind England, after securing three draws.

Denmark with a Major Loss: 'We will need what Hjulmand does'
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Denmark advanced in second place from Group C, only surpassed by England, by securing three draws in the group stage. Now, the Danes will face host nation Germany, one of the standout teams in the competition.

For this Round of 16 match, the Nordic team will be without Morten Hjulmand. The Sporting player is suspended after receiving two yellow cards in the competition, a significant loss for his team. This was acknowledged by Denmark's coach, Jasper Hjulmand, who hopes to compensate for his absence (likely with Delaney): "We will need some of what Morten Hjulmand can do. We have to be incredibly good in the central space, where Germany has many players. Gundogan moves very well there, Havertz is good at moving into space, and Musiala does too. And then there's Kroos, who brings calm and balance."

Hjulmand's suspension is a blow to Denmark, as the midfielder has been pivotal in both defense and attack, linking plays and providing stability in the midfield. His absence will force the team to adjust their strategy and rely on other key players to fill the gap.

Bah, a full-back for Benfica who started in two games, also spoke about the match against Germany: "We have to play a great game against Germany and, personally, it is my biggest game in service of the national team. We are looking forward to it. We should be happy that we progressed, but we want to give the fans what they deserve, which is victories. Teams like England and other major teams have also faced difficulties." In the last match, Bah was close to scoring but ultimately did not, something that, he admitted, troubled him after the game as he believes the team should be scoring more.

The Danish team faces a tough challenge against Germany, a team known for its strong tactical play and experienced roster. Germany's home advantage and recent form make them formidable opponents. However, Denmark has shown resilience throughout the tournament, and their defense has been solid, conceding few goals.

Coach Hjulmand will likely emphasize a disciplined defensive approach while seeking opportunities to counter-attack. The team's unity and collective effort will be crucial in overcoming the absence of key players and securing a spot in the quarterfinals.

Denmark's progress to this stage has been marked by determination and tactical awareness. They have managed to hold strong opponents to draws, demonstrating their capability to compete at a high level. The upcoming match against Germany is a significant test, but it also presents an opportunity for Denmark to showcase their strength and resilience on a larger stage.

The Danish fans are eagerly anticipating the clash, hopeful that their team can rise to the occasion and deliver a memorable performance. The players are motivated to not only advance further in the tournament but also to reward their supporters with the victories they deserve. As the competition heats up, Denmark's journey in the Copa América continues to capture the attention and support of football enthusiasts around the world.