In Denmark, the elimination from the European Championship was met with much disappointment. The Danes faced Germany in the round of 16 of the tournament on Saturday evening, and lost 2-0 thanks to goals from Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala. After the match, the main topic of discussion was the VAR.
In the second half, Denmark seemed to open the scoring through Joachim Andersen, but his goal was disallowed by VAR for offside. A few minutes later, Germany were awarded a penalty at the other end of the field, again after VAR interference, as the ball hit Andersen’s hand.
“It’s one of the worst referee decisions I’ve seen in my career,” Andersen said after the match about his handball against TV2. “I had my arm in a natural position, so a penalty could never have been given for this.”
Danish coach Kasper Hjulmand also disagreed with referee Michael Oliver’s decision to award a penalty after Andersen handled the ball. “I’m so fed up with the handball rules. The ball is shot at Joachim’s hand from a metre away. Those minutes were crucial. Germany played well, but I find this ridiculous.”
The decision to disallow Andersen’s goal a few minutes earlier also led to little understanding from Hjulmand. “I think it’s ridiculous. They are looking for that one centimeter to disallow the goal.”
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The Danish Tipsbladet also did not understand much of the penalty awarded. “Correct according to the VAR protocols, but the handball rules are completely ridiculous. Sort your mess out, UEFA,” the newspaper wrote in an assessment that specifically addressed Hjulmand.
After the 2022 World Cup, Denmark failed to record a single victory for the second consecutive final tournament. “Is this the end for Hjulmand? Yes, the tank is empty,” according to Tipsbladet. “It must now be about Hjulmand’s position. This was a failure, just like the World Cup in Qatar. This cannot last. Hjulmand must realize that he has nothing left to enrich Danish football with. Based on two final tournaments, it now seems clear what needs to happen…”
Ekstra Bladet is also not kind in its criticism. “What a bland, tasteless tournament Hjulmand has made of it. We may have seen one sporting revival, that draw against England (1-1). But Denmark has never been able to surprise a single football fan. The elimination against Germany is not embarrassing. The failure to win against Slovenia or Serbia is embarrassing. This elimination was set in motion by a dramatic group stage. That is why the national coach will always be the man of the two final tournaments without a win. It is very embarrassing.”
