Switzerland 1-1 Germany: Late Fuellkrug equaliser sees Germany win Group A
Striker Niclas Fuellkrug scored a dramatic stoppage time equaliser as hosts Germany rescued a point after a 1-1 draw with Switzerland on Sunday, securing first place in Group A and maintaining their momentum heading into the Euro 2024 last 16.
Swiss forward Dan Ndoye threatened to spoil the party with a first-half opener, but Germany, who had already secured a knockout spot prior to kickoff and are now on a seven-game unbeaten streak dating back to November, kept plugging away until Fuellkrug's header restored parity.
The home side had a goal disallowed and several penalty appeals turned down by Italian referee Daniele Orsato, and it appeared to be a frustrating night until Fuellkrug finished one of their 18 attempts at goal in a feverish atmosphere in Frankfurt.
It denied the Swiss a second win over Germany in 22 competitive matches dating back to 1959, but their place in the last 16 is also secured.
Germany lead the pool with seven points from three games, two ahead of Switzerland, and Hungary (three points) must wait to see if they will advance as one of the best third-placed teams after a 1-0 win over eliminated Scotland.
"Of course, we would have liked to win the game and to play great football," Germany captain Ilkay Gundogan said. "But I think you also need games like that during a tournament. And that can also be a real strength for the next games, hopefully."
Germany thought they had taken the lead on 17 minutes when Robert Andrich's 30-yard shot beat Switzerland keeper Yann Sommer at his near post, but the latter's blushes were spared when the goal was ruled out for a foul by Jamal Musiala.
Instead, the Swiss scored shortly before the half-hour mark. Musiala was bundled off the ball in midfield, and when Remo Freuler was found on the left side of the box, Ndoye guided his low cross into the roof of the net.
The home side created numerous chances as they camped in the Swiss half, but after Kai Havertz squandered several, Fuellkrug rose highest to head in David Raum's cross in the 92nd minute, preserving their unbeaten start to the domestic 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. Nevertheless, the late equaliser 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 are now looking forward to the round of 16."
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann named the same starting XI for the third game in a row, but he will have to make at least one change for the last-16 after Jonathan Tah received his second yellow card of the group stages and is suspended.
Whether Havertz did enough to keep his starting spot remains to be seen, with Germany looking more dangerous after Fuellkrug came on to score his 13th international goal in 19 appearances, only six of which he started.
SportsLigue