UEFA Euro 2024 host, Germany survived a final group game scare and left it very late as substitute, Niclas Füllkrug scored a late equalizing goal in a 1-1 draw against Switzerland on Sunday and ensure that Germany topped group A.
Germany had already secured qualification to the round of 16 in their second group game against Hungary and came into this match looking to secure top spot in group A and needed to avoid defeat against Switzerland to ensure this.
However, it seemed like the Swizz had other tricks up their sleeves and were looking shock the host in front of their home crowd and run away with the top spot of the group after grabbing the lead through Dan Ndoye but Germany leveled things up late to ensure both teams shared the points in Frankfurt, both qualifying for the round of 16.
Germany’s coach, Julian Nagelsmann stuck to the same starting line-up that had executed their previous 2 group games; wins against Scotland and Hungary, and was hoping that they would continue the run. The initial exchanges were cagey but things were a bit cautious as the hosts looked to take control of the game although they were not creating many chances.
The Swizz would then go ahead in the game following a great team move close to the half hour mark. Remo Freuler providing a cross into the box and found his Bologna team-mate Ndoye, who poked his leg at the ball to guide it past a helpless Neuer in goal. The goal was Ndoye’s first senior international goal. The game lit up, and Ndoye once again scared the German fans, his shot going narrowly wide.
Die Mannschaft reacted, going close to equalising through Antonio Rüdiger’s header just before half-time. Germany began the second half with a fine opportunity, a powerful strike by Jamal Musiala saved by Yann Sommer, with İlkay Gündoğan unable to make a good connection on the rebound. Next Toni Kroos tried his luck, also in vain.
Germany kept on pushing for an equalizer with Kai Havertz header troubling Swizz goalkeeper, Sommer before Joshua Kimmich went for goal from close range, but was denied by a Manuel Akanji’s block.
Switzerland though they had sealed their first competitive win over Germany in 86 years after a swift counter-attack saw Ruben Vargas bury a fine finish beyond Neuer after being put through on goal but his celebrations were cut short as the goal was disallowed. Xhaka also got denied a stunner as Neuer pushed his effort away from goal.
However, Füllkrug had the final say in the match as got on the end of a cross from David Raum, rising above everyone to plant a brilliant header past Sommer keep Germany first in the group.
