German women's national football team left devastated following shocking Euro quarterfinal defeat to Denmark

The German women's national football team were left devastated following their shocking 2-1 quarterfinal loss to Denmark at the Women's Euro on Sunday. Germany were looking forward to winning a record-extending ninth title and seventh in succession and after taking an early lead through an Isabel Kerschowski header, seemed set to make another semifinal appearance, but a stunning fight-back from the Danish women denied the reigning Olympic Champions another trip to the final four and evoked memories of their men's team's famous Euro 1992 win in the final against Germany.

Speaking to the German newspaper Bild after the shocking loss, German Coach Steffi Jones was high in praise of the Danes but appeared to be fighting back tears.

"First of all I want to congratulate the Danish women on their win and I wish them good luck in the semifinals. That said, I am of the belief that we didn't play today like we were the reigning European and Olympic Champions. After taking that early lead we should have capitalized on it, but I think the turning point in the match came in the 49th minute when the assistant referee appeared to flag for a foul against my team but then surprisingly play was waved on and the Danes had time and space to find the equalizer through Nadim."

She went on:

"And then to concede a late goal seven minutes from time was just a heart-breaker. The girls were all crying inconsolably in the dressing room. We were trying to make it lucky number seven this year but it's apparent that we were not so lucky today. But we must stay positive. We are still the reigning Olympic Champions and all our efforts now will be concentrated on trying to win a third World Cup in France in 2019."

Jones then quite surprisingly, took a jab at the French team who also suffered a shocking loss to the Englishwomen.

"By the way, speaking of France, I got a call on my cell phone moments after this match that Les Bleues went under to England. It must really suck being a French female footballer representing your national team eh? Another major Championships and they still can't make the podium."