Striker Niclas Füllkrug scored an injury-time equalizer and hosts Germany salvaged a point after a 1-1 draw with Switzerland on Sunday to seal top spot in Group A and maintain their momentum heading into the last 16 of Euro 2024.
Swiss striker Dan Ndoye had threatened to ruin the party with a first-half opener, but Germany, who had already secured a place in the last 16 before kick-off, are now on a seven-game unbeaten run dating back to November and continued fighting. until the tie finally came thanks to a powerful header from Fullkrug.
The home team had a goal disallowed and several penalty appeals disallowed by Italian referee Daniele Orsato, and it looked to be a frustrating night before Fullkrug finished off one of their 18 attempts on goal in a feverish atmosphere in Frankfurt.
It denied the Swiss what would have been a second victory over Germany in 22 competitive matches dating back to 1959, but their passage to the last 16 is also assured.
Germany lead the group with seven points from their three games, two ahead of Switzerland, while Hungary (three points) must wait to see if they advance as one of the best third-placed teams after a 1-0 victory over eliminated Scotland. who are eliminated.
“Of course, we would have liked to win the match and play great football,” said Germany captain Ilkay Gundogan. “But I think games like this are also needed during a tournament. And that can also be a real strength for the next games, hopefully.”
Kai Havertz's early header from a corner was saved by the Swiss goalkeeper and then a penalty call when he was in the box was disallowed on a frustrating night for him that may draw attention to his effectiveness in the team.
Germany thought they had the lead in the 17th minute when Robert Andrich's shot from 30 yards somehow beat Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer at his near post, but the latter's blushes were saved when the goal was disallowed for a foul. Jamal Musiala.
Instead, it was the Swiss who scored just before the half hour mark. Musiala was left without the ball in midfield and when Remo Freuler was found on the left side of the box, Ndoye converted his low cross into the roof of the net.
Ilkay Gündogan missed a shot from the edge of the area when well placed early in the second half, and Toni Kroos fired wide from distance as Germany sought an equalizer.
They created numerous chances as they camped in the Swiss half, but after Havertz squandered several, Fullkrug rose highest to head in David Raum's cross in the 92nd minute and preserve their unbeaten start to the local championship.
“I think when you see the Germans celebrating, we can be proud of ourselves,” Swiss captain Granit Xhaka told SRF. “It's not easy against a team like that. However, the late draw hurts.
“Everyone fought for each other and ran for each other. We have to push ourselves to the limit. Then we can beat anyone. We have taken the first step and now we are looking forward to the round of 16.”
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann chose the same starting XI for the third game in a row but will be forced to make at least one change for the last 16 after Jonathan Tah received a second yellow card of the group stage and was ruled out. suspended.
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann chose the same starting XI for the third game in a row but will be forced to make at least one change for the last 16 after Jonathan Tah received a second yellow card of the group stage and was ruled out. suspended.
It remains to be seen whether Havertz did enough to keep his starting spot, as Germany looked more threatening when Fuellkrug came on to score his 13th international goal in 19 international matches, of which he started only six.
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann chose the same starting XI for the third game in a row but will be forced to make at least one change for the last 16 after Jonathan Tah received a second yellow card of the group stage and was ruled out. suspended.
It remains to be seen whether Havertz did enough to keep his starting spot, as Germany looked more threatening when Fuellkrug came on to score his 13th international goal in 19 international matches, of which he started only six.
“In the end I think the point is well deserved. We risked a lot in this phase of the match, we could have conceded a second goal, but it was a good match,” said Nagelsmann after the match. “I think it was well deserved that we came back. If we had scored the first goal in the 17th minute (shot disallowed by Robert Andrich), I think it would have been difficult for Switzerland.”
It remains to be seen whether Havertz did enough to keep his starting spot, as Germany looked more threatening when Fullkrug came on to score his 13th international goal in 19 international matches, of which he started only six.
Germany will face the second-place team in Group C in Dortmund on Saturday, with England, Denmark, Slovenia and Serbia still in contention. Switzerland will play the same day in Berlin against the second placed team in Group B, with Italy, Albania and Croatia being its possible rivals.
