In a dramatic finish, Germany managed a 1-1 draw against an impressive Switzerland team, ensuring they finished at the top of their Euro 2024 group.
The decisive moment came in stoppage time when defender Nico Schlotterbeck, center-back Antonio Rüdiger, and substitute Niclas Füllkrug all leaped for a cross delivered by substitute David Raum. It was Füllkrug who won the aerial battle, heading the ball past Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer into the top corner, securing the draw.
“We risked a lot in this phase because we could have conceded a second goal,” Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann commented on the decision to push defenders forward. “Who doesn’t dare to risk, doesn’t get to draw.”
Germany had already secured advancement to the round of 16 before the kickoff on Sunday. However, the draw felt like a victory, maintaining the momentum from their previous wins against Scotland and Hungary.
“When you see how the Germans celebrated their goal, that says everything,” said Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka, who was named player of the match.
Switzerland took the lead in the 28th minute with a clever volley from Dan Ndoye. They continued to press for a second goal, but a marginal offside ruling denied Ruben Vargas’ effort, and a fine save from Manuel Neuer stopped Xhaka’s shot.
The point for each team ensured Germany finished first and Switzerland second in Group A. Hungary secured third place with a late stoppage-time goal to beat Scotland 1-0 in Stuttgart.
Germany will now play in Dortmund for a round of 16 game on Saturday against the runner-up of Group C. Their potential opponents include England, Slovenia, Denmark, or Serbia, who will play their final Group C matches on Tuesday.
Nagelsmann noted that Germany’s opponent might be at a disadvantage due to having two fewer days of rest, stating, “We have to prepare for four teams, they only have to prepare for one team.”
Switzerland will head to the Olympic Stadium in Berlin to open the round of 16 on Saturday against the runner-up in Group B, likely to be either Italy or Croatia, who face off on Monday.
Swiss coach Murat Yakin emphasized Switzerland’s strong performance and suggested that higher-ranked opponents should be wary. “I think we have a certain standing which we worked hard for. We‘re on a good path,” Yakin said, “without a defeat, with a very good style of play. We like being the dark horse.”
Switzerland’s goal was crafted by Bologna players. Ndoye timed his run perfectly to meet a pass from his Bologna teammate Remo Freuler. The attack began when Fabian Rieder, making his first start since the 2022 World Cup, won the ball in the German half and then fed Freuler.
Germany had a goal disallowed in the 17th minute after a video review. Robert Andrich’s long-range shot bounced over Sommer, but the VAR team alerted the referee to an earlier foul by Jamal Musiala.
The Waldstadion playing surface, which had been problematic in previous matches, performed better on Sunday with the roof closed to protect it. Frankfurt will host two more matches, including a round of 16 game that could feature Group F winner Portugal potentially facing Hungary, who will wait three days to learn their fate.
