On a night of stoppages, Germany almost stumble, but keep going. That was summed up and sealed by Jamal Musiala’s smooth run and finish after a performance that previously had so many rough edges.

That goal put a sheen on a match that had literally been so muddied, where Germany were somewhat fortunate to turn it all on two big decisions and a controversial Kai Havertz penalty.

Just moments after Joachim Andersen had a goal ruled out for a genuine toenail offside, the ball hit his stretched hand for the call that ultimately sent the hosts to a 2-0 win.

The hosts had a goal chalked off in the first half for an infringement in the build-up before Denmark saw their only goal ruled out by the semi-automated offside technology.

To make matters worse, goalscorer Joachim Andersen was punished a couple of minutes later for handball with VAR sending Oliver to the pitchside monitor where he awarded Germany a penalty that swung the momentum of the match.

Denmark have failed to win any of their last eight games at major competitions (D4 L4), with their last such victory coming in the quarter-finals of Euro 2020 against the Czech Republic (2-1).

Ange Postecoglou had the strongest reaction to the penalty and offside calls saying: “My question is that we can’t see ball contact at that disallowed goal for Andersen. How do we know that’s right?

“That’s my problem all along, Michael Oliver isn’t making that decision. It’s not on Michael Oliver. Technology is supposed to be definitive.

“If I hear one more person say that VAR isn’t re-refereeing a game, I will blow up. This is not on Michael Oliver, we are criticising the technology.

“When the offside is that tight, I don’t know why it is being looked at. If we accept that we accept other two-minute delays for other incidents.”

Naturally most of the post match analysis has been about Germany’s penalty.

Roy Keane said: “I’m always critical of defenders coming out defending with their hands behind their back, but I see it. I feel for defenders. That’s not the game we grew up loving, these types of decisions. People tomorrow wouldn’t be waking up tomorrow saying ‘why is that not a penalty?’”

While Ian Wright added: “That as a handball will never ever sit well for me, I’m not sure why they’re going so deep into the science of it. The offside law for me has gone crazy.”

Germany have won three of their four games at Euro 2024, as many as in their previous 12 games across major competitions (World Cups/Euros), while 10 goals is their joint-most at a single edition of the Euros.

American football watchers will be familiar with former top level official Unkel, who has been a regular part of CBS’ broadcasts of the sport over the last few years.

But the 37-year-old is a fresh face for most in the UK as ITV look to offer expert insight into the officiating at the tournament.

Ange Postecoglou speaking on ITV: “It was a super run from Musiala. He dragged Andersen into an area he doesn’t want to go. It’s a class finish.

“For a young man, great composure.”

Europe’s best strikers are vying for individual honours as well as team success as they aim to top the scoring charts at Euro 2024.

Manuel Neuer made his 38th appearance at a major competition, the joint-most for Germany alongside Bastian Schweinsteiger.

He should break that record in the quarter-final. This was also his 19th appearance at the Euros, taking him past Schweinsteiger’s 18.