A terrific injury-time header from Niclas Fullkrug on the finish of one other terrific match salvaged a draw for Germany, who now undergo to the Euro 2024 knockout levels as Group A winners. Switzerland, who had taken the lead within the first half and had been glorious all through, qualify for the final 16 in second place.
Germany started pretty effectively, dominating possession, however Switzerland defended with self-discipline and conviction, shutting down areas and successful challenges. On 17 minutes, Robert Andrich thought he’d put the hosts forward along with his first worldwide purpose, Yann Sommer diving underneath his shot, however the ref, inspired by VAR, rightly disallowed the purpose for a foul by Jamal Musiala on Michel Aebischer.
Then, on 28 minutes, Switzerland took the lead, Fabian Rieder successful the ball and driving ahead earlier than Remo Freuler’s glorious cross was volleyed house by Dan Ndoye.
Germany didn’t enhance a lot after half-time, as prone to concede a clincher as rating an equaliser. However with seconds remaining, one sub, David Raum, crossed for an additional, Fullkrug, whose contact, power and composure underneath strain redeemed a nonetheless regarding night time for the hosts. Switzerland, then again, although denied a momentous victory, will take large confidence from their efficiency, and can be a tough night time for whoever they meet subsequent.
Speaking Level – How can Germany enhance?
Although Kai Havertz has many attributes, a lone frontman he’s not. He has stunning toes, however is unreliable as scorer, goal man and channel-runner. And behind him, Germany’s midfield play was gradual and predictable; Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz are incredible gamers however every needs to return inside, whereas neither Toni Kroos nor Ilkay Gundogan can run.
Or, in different phrases, Julian Nagelsmann must ask himself if there’s room in his group for each, or if he wants a winger for tempo, penetration and selection; if his midfield can perform correctly with two older gamers, nonetheless good every is; and whether or not he should choose a extra conventional centre-forward capable of threaten in behind and play with again to purpose. HIs present mix could get his facet a good manner on this competitors, however it could be stunning if it was ok to win it.
Participant of the Match – Manuel Akanji (Switzerland)
Coated in behind, attacked the ball, and marshalled his group’s again line.
Participant Scores
Switzerland: Sommer 7, Schar 7, Akanji 8, Rodriguez 7, Widmer 6, Xhaka 8, Freuler 7, Aebischer 7, Ndoye 7, Embolo 7, Rieder 7. Subs: Vargas 6, Duah 6, Amdoni 6.
Germany: Neuer 6, Kimmich 5, Rudiger 6, Tah 6, Mittelstadt 6, Andrich 6, Kroos 6, Musiala 6, Gundogan 6, Wirtz 6, Havertz 6. Subs: Raum 7, Schlotterbeck 6, Beier 6, Sane 6, Fullkrug 7.
Key moments
17’ – NO GOAL! Germany launch Mittelstadt down the left, Aebischer doing rather well to slip in forward of Musiala. However when the ball is cleared to Andrich on the sting, he swats a shot that skips off the turf simply in entrance of the diving Sommer, who ought to do significantly better, and that is his first purpose for Germany! However wait… over to VAR… Yup, Musiala slid in and took man with not one of the ball, Aebischer already having cleared. No purpose. Appropriate determination.
28’ – GOAL!! Switzerland 1-0 Germany (Ndoye): NOW THEN! Rieder drives via midfield, collects Ndoye’s return backheel, then a cross down the facet finds Freuler, who crosses lowish, and Ndoye, nipping forward of Tah, stretches right into a wonderful volley that flies excessive previous Neuer! Switzerland are switzerlanding once more!
84′ – OH MY DAYS! Duah backheels and Amdouni slides Vargas in. He clips an skilled’s end over Neuer, ending the match … and up goes the flag. He’ll remorse not timing his run only a fraction higher.
90+2’ – GOAL! Switzerland 1-1 Germany (Fullkrug): Germany work the ball from proper to left and Raum swings over a tasty cross, Fullkrug leaping backward and nearly backing away from his header to be able to cushion an murderer’s end into the far side-netting! Sensible purpose, and Switzerland can be feeling very, very poorly. Soccer is a brutal, stunning enterprise.
Key stat
- Switzerland have certified for the final 16 for the sixth event in a row.
