Grace Kim's Ace Lifts Team To Share Of Dow Lead
By Fernando Kallas
DORTMUND, Germany, June 28 (Reuters) - Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann dodged questions about who he planned to play in attack for Saturday's last 16 Euro 2024 clash against Denmark after fans and pundits appeared torn on whether Kai Havertz or Niclas Fuellkrug should start.
Havertz started in all three of Germany's group games, with a goal and assist in 211 minutes in the tournament. In contrast, Fuellkrug came off the bench to score twice in only 73 minutes, presenting a selection dilemma for Nagelsmann.
"I have made my decision but I will not disclose it until tomorrow," Nagelsmann told a press conference on Friday, keeping his cards close to his chest.
"I think (Fuellkrug's) role has been really important and a player doesn’t need to start to have a big role for the team. It's always about making the most of the opportunities you have.
"(Fuellkrug's) heart and dedication has helped the team a lot bringing big energy from the bench. But as far as who will start against Denmark, that's something you will know tomorrow."
Nagelsmann said that he expects a great atmosphere at a sold-out Dortmund BVB Stadion and that his players will rely on their fans to give them an extra boost against Denmark.
The 36-year-old manager said that playing at home does not add more pressure on Germany to deliver, if anything the team has felt more energised.
"I always stress that it is a privilege for the players to be able to perform in front of their home fans. The pressure is the same as always because the expectations in Germany is always high," Nagelsmann said.
"I have great confidence in the team. I know what they are capable of and what they can achieve. Nevertheless, every game is special but you can't afford to make any big mistakes.
"I think the guys will go to the game with a very good feeling and hopefully fulfil the huge expectations our fans have."
Nagelsmann said he is confident that defender Antonio Ruediger will be available for Saturday's match after sustaining a minor hamstring injury.
The coach said that the Real Madrid defender has been "looking good" in practice, and will provide major reinforcement for the Germans who will miss defender Jonathan Tah through suspension. (Reporting by Fernando Kallas, editing by Pritha Sarkar)
Fried Basil Prawns C0f5 Tasty Thai Sacramento Meals 2d2a6f4911 Ccc4 Tasty Thai Sacramento Food Tasty Thai 130831493 2829777713925652 3868342354265502420 N ?url=http Ewscripps Brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com 2b 48 D621aa374f50a2f447355ee0c061 Screen Shot 2021 12 16 At 3.18.22 PM Vertical 2 Scaled 1296x2048 O Project 17 Square Project 12 Square B87ced 901f2296b1f3492984bd5039a0eea577~mv2 Thai Sa On.webpProject 17 Square Project 20 Square ?media Id=100057652472051Project 16 Square 131442517 2829777710592319 8393392753518852961 N UKqI7hks06BP ?v=2480535549&w=1080&q=100&auto=formatProject 19 Square Project 18 Square Project 14 Square Sabai Thai Restaurant Doha 4euNv4l06qvP3nXdlHYvMSatCqpxlrzcWos16FID Slide 7 Fs 130287727 2829777703925653 957587485110492300 N 1920w UKqI7hks06BP ?v=9213986001&w=3840&q=80&auto=formatExtra 768x512 O Project 21 Square ?media Id=100063736922925Project 13 Square B87ced 8ed08d8b159c47a1b2283a5c2a401726~mv2 68849d1f 171b 4fe0 81f6 0628b4ec1f25?w=750&q=80&auto=format8538265059 Dc4c5c1369 B 585x390