Joachim Andersen scored against Germany in the Round of 16 at Euro 2024, but the goal was disallowed for offside in the play. Shortly after, the Danish defender saw the referee award a penalty for handball, a decision he does not understand.
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Denmark was eliminated on Saturday night in the Round of 16 of Euro 2024 after losing to the host nation Germany 2-0, with Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala scoring, at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund.
Joachim Andersen was one of the standout figures of the match, but for the wrong reasons. The Danish central defender had a game to forget, as he scored a goal – which was ultimately disallowed due to Thomas Delaney being offside in the play – and, seconds later, conceded the penalty that allowed the German team to open the scoring by handling the ball inside the area.
After the match, the Crystal Palace defender expressed his disbelief at the refereeing decisions, particularly regarding the penalty incident.
"It's crazy and it can't be a penalty. I can't run with my arms behind my back and play football. Raum [Germany's full-back] is a meter and a half away and hits me with the ball on the hand. I don't know what I can do to avoid it. The offside was hard to see. It's something minimal to analyze, but the handball is the craziest thing I've ever seen. If our goal had counted, I'm convinced we would have won the game. Besides, today you can't talk to the referees," said Joachim Andersen.
The game was a pivotal moment for Denmark, as they had high hopes of advancing further in the tournament. The disallowed goal and the controversial penalty decision significantly impacted the team's morale and performance. Denmark had shown promise in the group stages, and many fans and analysts believed they had the potential to make a deep run in the competition.
Germany's goals by Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala showcased their clinical finishing and tactical discipline, securing their place in the quarter-finals. For Denmark, the focus will now shift to reflecting on their performance and preparing for future competitions. The controversy surrounding the refereeing decisions will likely be a topic of discussion among fans and pundits in the days to come.
Andersen's comments highlight a broader issue in football regarding the interpretation of handball rules and the challenges players face in adapting to these regulations. The incident underscores the need for clear and consistent officiating to ensure fair play and maintain the integrity of the sport.
