So Close, but so Far
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Germany won again Sunday, beating a defensive-minded Denmark 2-1 in Lviv, Ukraine.
Joachim Löw's team dominated possession, but struggled to score thanks to towering performances from the Danish defense and Daniel Agger.
Lukas Podolski, making his 100th international appearance at just 26, opened the scoring in the 19th minute, sweeping home a loose ball in the box.
Denmark hit back through Michael Krohn-Dehli's header in the 24th, set up by Nicklas Bendtner's centering header.
Lars Bender, making a rare start in defense in place of the suspended Jerome Boateng, grabbed the winner for Germany in the 80th minute.
The victory was Germany's third in as many matches at the European Championship, but with the score 1-1 late in the second half, Löw's men were surprisingly close to an early exit from the tournament.
With Portugal leading Holland 2-1, Germany would have been eliminated with a 2-1 loss to Denmark. Instead, they now head to the quarterfinals as one of the favorites.
Such is life at Euro 2012.
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