Kai Havertz welcomes pressure as Germany advance

Kai Havertz opened the scoring for Germany against Denmark on Saturday night, helping his nation secure passage to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals in what was Die Mannschaft’s first knockout win since 2017.

Although not Germany’s designated penalty taker, Havertz scored from the spot in their opening 5-1 win against Scotland, and was tasked with putting his side in the lead against Denmark.

Speaking to ZDF on being Germany’s penalty taker, Havertz said: “I practise a lot and I like taking penalties,” and on whether or not he feels a burden when stepping up, added: “I enjoy it. I always try to take the pressure off myself and just enjoy the moment. Today it worked.”

As Kicker note, Ilkay Gündogan is Germany’s penalty taker but because of Ryan Porteous’ foul on the German in the opening fixture, Havertz stepped up and dispatched. And now with a two out of two record, should Germany get another penalty, there’s a question as to who will step up.

Before Euro 2024, Havertz had only taken one penalty for Germany. His effort hit the post and he dispatched the rebound against Peru, but it was ruled out for a double touch.