Germany need just a point against Denmark to progress to the final eight tonight but, as yesterday’s events have shown, nothing should be taken for granted. Holland and Portugal go head to head in the other Group B encounter, with Bert Van Marwijk’s men still hopeful of making the knockout stages, despite back-to-back defeats in their opening two games:
Both games kick off at 7.45pm this evening and, as always, our Dugout Discussion is up and running ahead of what promises to be a thrilling end to the so-called “Group of Death”.
The team news is in and is as follows:
Germany XI: Neuer; Bender, Hummels, Badstuber, Lahm; Schweinsteiger, Khedira; Müller, Özil, Podolski; Gomez
Denmark XI: Andersen; Jacobsen, Kjaer, Agger, S Poulsen; Kvist, Zimling, Eriksen; J Poulsen, Bendtner, Krohn-Dehli
Joachim Low makes just one change to Germany’s starting XI, with Lars Bender coming in at right-back for the suspended Jerome Boateng. This means Mario Gomez keeps his place as the lone forward, with the armband hopes of many resting on his shoulders. Denmark also make one enforced alteration to their side – Dennis Rommedahl is sidelined with a hamstring injury, affording Jacob Poulsen a role in Morten Olsen’s starting XI.
Holland XI: Stekelenburg; Van der Wiel, Mathijsen, Vlaar, Willems; Robben, Van der Vaart, De Jong, Sneijder; Huntelaar, Van Persie
Portugal XI: Patricio; Pereira, Alves, Pepe, Coentrao; Veloso, Moutinho, Meireles; Nani, Postiga, Ronaldo
Portugal are unchanged from the side that beat Denmark in midweek, meaning no place in the XI for Silvestre Valera, despite some reports suggesting he was selected ahead of Miguel Veloso. Cristiano Ronaldo is second in our Captain Poll for today’s round of games and will be keen to atone for his dire display against the Danes.
Holland make three changes to their lineup. Ron Vlaar replaces Johnny Heitinga at centre-back, Rafael Van der Vaart comes in for Mark Van Bommel in midfield, while Ibrahim Afellay drops out for Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. It’s unclear whether this means a changes in formation – if Van Marwijk continues with a 4-2-3-1, Robin Van Persie would move out wide, though there’s a possibility Holland could line up in a 4-4-2 with Huntelaar partner Van Persie up top, similar to how they finished the game against Germany.
