Controversial Lea Schuller strike sees Germany close in on Euro 2025 quarter-finals and leaves Denmark on the brink of elimination after VAR-dominated encounter

Germany all but secured their qualification for the European Championship knockout stages as they came from behind to beat Denmark 2-1 in a tense, entertaining game that was dominated by VAR on Tuesday evening.

Christian Wuck's side thought they had the lead after 17 minutes, as Klara Buhl fired a low effort through a group of players, but VAR ruled that Sjoeke Nusken touched the ball from an offside position as it flew into the back of the net, and it was subsequently ruled out.

And within eight minutes, Denmark left Germany reeling by taking the lead thanks to a brilliant strike from Amalie Vangsgaard; capitalising on a loose touch in the defensive third, she unleashed a rasping drive from the edge of the box that found the bottom corner.

Amazingly, in the 39th minute, VAR again intervened, to deny Die Nationalelf a penalty. The referee had initially given it for a handball after a cross struck the hand of Frederikke Thogersen, but the replays showed that the contact took place outside of the box, and a free-kick was awarded instead.

After the restart, Germany finally had VAR go their way, as Linda Dallmann went down in the box under a challenge from Katrine Veje. A review followed, and after sending the referee to the screen, a penalty was given. Nusken stepped up and finished from 12 yards.

They kept their foot on the accelerator, and had the lead in the 66th minute. Denmark attempted to clear, but ended up firing the ball into the face of Emma Snerle, who went down with a head injury. Germany played on, and Jule Brand found Lea Schuller, who finished coolly to give her side a controversial lead.

Germany stayed solid thereafter, limiting Denmark to a handful of attacks, as they saw out a vital victory.

Nusken was at the centre of absolutely everything good for Germany. She scored a pressure penalty, and ran her heart out in central midfield, all the while geeing up her team-mates and dragging them along when Denmark had the upper hand. A terrific midfield performance.

Snerle was so unfortunate to be struck by the ball as she was, given Denmark were attempting to clear their lines, but it directly led to Germany's winner. The referee should have stopped the game because it was a head injury, but because she didn't, it is the only selection we can make. She will hope to recover in time to play a role in the final group game but, without her injury, maybe the Danes take a vital point. Football really is a cruel sport.

Germany are as good as though and will face Sweden in their final group game on Saturday. Denmark will face Poland on the same day, although they could be out by the time that game is played, if Sweden beat Poland in their fixture on Tuesday evening.