Dortmund. Germany takes on Denmark in the round of 16 at the European Championship on Saturday. Germany will have to make at least one change in defense for the game as it tries to carry the host-nation buzz deeper into the knockout stages. Kickoff is at 9 p.m. local (1900 GMT) in Dortmund or 2 a.m. on Sunday in Jakarta. 

This is the only game in the round of 16 that features two unbeaten teams. Germany finished top of Group A with wins over Scotland and Hungary and a draw with Switzerland. Denmark drew all of its games against Slovenia, England and Serbia.

Germany was eliminated by eventual runner-up England in the round of 16 at Euro 2020 and hasn’t won a knockout game at a major tournament since Euro 2016.

Denmark went all the way to the semifinals at Euro 2020 before losing to England, its biggest success since winning the European title against the odds in 1992 — when it beat Germany in the final.

Three games into its Euro 2024 campaign, the German team hasn't yet ignited quite the same kind of patriotic fervor that it had at the 2006 World Cup. Flags have been popping up across the country and crowds in the stadiums are vocal, though, so a win over Denmark for a quarterfinal spot could build momentum.

Germany will have to rethink the center of defense following a one-game suspension for Jonathan Tah, though fellow center half Antonio Rüdiger should have recovered in time after a hamstring injury. Nico Schlotterbeck is set to replace Tah, while Waldemar Anton is on standby for his first Euro 2024 appearance if Rüdiger doesn't make it.

Denmark's inspirational midfielder, Christian Eriksen, missed training on Friday because of what Hjulmand described as “stomach issues” but is expected to be available. Thomas Delaney was also absent for the same reason.

Danish midfielder Morten Hjulmand — no relation to coach Kasper Hjulmand — is suspended after picking up two yellow cards. Delaney is the favorite to replace him if he recovers.

With six days between its last group game and the clash with Denmark, Germany had the benefit of extra rest. Coach Julian Nagelsmann gave his players a day off with their families on Tuesday. Denmark was playing that day and had two days fewer to rest.

Add as a preferred source on Google +