Switzerland 1-1 Germany
Supersub Niclas Fullkrug scored an injury time equaliser to save Germany’s unbeaten record and ensure Julian Nagelsmann’s team finished top of Group A.
With Scotland and Hungary facing off in their last game this clash, Euro 2024: Switzerland vs Germany was a battle for top spot and the Swiss underdogs took a first half lead through Dan Ndoye, but Borussia Dortmund star Fullkrug popped up to head home the leveller on 92 minutes.
Having beating Hungary in their last outing the pressure was off Germany to a degree but, in fairness, they dominated the game and eventually got their just deserts.
Highlights of the game
The SBOTOP Switzerland vs Germany betting odds pointed firmly towards a third win in three for the hosts and, with just 15 minutes on the clock it looked like Nageslmann’s team had a lead. Robert Andrich thought he’d scored his first goal for Germany when he took a pot shot from a long way out and the usually excellent Yann Sommer fumbled and let it bounce over him and into the net. But VAR came to the Swiss keeper’s rescue and spotted a foul by Jamal Musiala on Michel Aebsicher in the build up. A quick look at the Switzerland vs Germany highlights and VAR was proved right as the score stayed at 0-0.
As an aside, the speed and accuracy of the technology at Euro 2024 puts the Premier League’s VAR to shame!
Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann expressed concern about the Frankfurt pitch after England and Denmark had struggled to a 1-1 draw on it last Thursday, but on Sunday it was playing just fine and Germany could pass the ball about with purpose. But then, Euro 2024 carried on delivering its drama as the Swiss scored a superb goal on the counter. Remo Freuler raced down the right and delivered a cross which Dan Ndoye volleyed home brilliantly at the near post.
It was the first time Germany had been behind in the tournament and now it was time to show how they respond when things get difficult. And they had a tough challenge here because the Swiss defensive unit was in a determined mood as they saw out the first half a goal to the good.
Germany were on the front foot again at the start of the second period and Sommer did well to parry a stinging shot from Musiala and Ilkay Gundogan was off balance as he skewed the follow up wide. German dominance continued but first Toni Kroos, and then David Raum were off target. And when Kai Havertz had a headed chance he got under it and headed over.
The hosts pushed and pushed and Manchester City star Manuel Akanji made a heroic stop to deny Joshua Kimmich from close range. And as the shot count rose, Toni Kroos put a dangerous cross in and when Switzerland half cleared Leroy Sane blasted his shot over the bar.
At the other end of the pitch, Zeki Amdouni put Ruben Vargas clean through and he finished superbly, but the FC Augsburg man was marginally offside. And then Manuel Neuer was called upon to parry away a fierce drive from Granit Xhaka.
And then finally, finally, Germany broke through and broke Swiss hearts as that man Fullkrug rose high to meet a cross from the left and headed brilliantly into the far corner to take Germany back to the top of Group A.
Key statistics
This was Switzerland’s chance to join Germany in the knockouts and they drew first blood with their only shot on target of the first half. Germany were leading the shot count by seven to two and had the lions share of possession, but only had one shot on target of their own.
By the end of the game Germany had 18 shots to Switzerland’s four but the two teams both had three shots on target.
The last time Switzerland beat Germany in a competitive game was 86 years ago at the 1938 World Cup, and they were just two minutes away, but their fans can be proud to see their team qualify for the knockout phase for the sixth consecutive time.
What’s next?
As Group A winners Germany will play the Group C second place team which looks like it could well be Denmark; though England still have work to do to win their group. Group C concludes on Tuesday.
Switzerland have finished in second place and they will play the Group B second placed team which looks like it may well be Italy and that would be a match to look forward to. Group B finishes on Monday when Italy play Croatia and Spain face Albania.
In tonight’s other Group A game, Hungary scored a last gasp winner to finish third and, if they qualify on three points they will face Spain in the Round of 16.
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