In a dramatic late surge, Germany secured a 1-1 draw against an impressive Switzerland team, avoiding their first loss at the European Championship. Defender Nico Schlotterbeck and center-back Antonio Rüdiger both leaped for the ball, but it was substitute Niclas Füllkrug who managed to head the ball into the net during stoppage time. This crucial goal was set up by another substitute, David Raum, whose cross found Füllkrug, guiding the ball past Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer into the top corner.
“We risked a lot in this phase because we could have conceded a second goal,” Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann remarked about his decision to send defenders into the attack. “Who doesn’t dare to risk, doesn’t get to draw.”
Germany had already secured their place in the round of 16 before Sunday’s kickoff. The draw, however, felt like a victory, maintaining the momentum from their earlier wins against Scotland and Hungary.
“When you see how the Germans celebrated their goal, that says everything,” noted Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka, who was named player of the match.
Switzerland had taken the lead in the 28th minute with a clever volley from Dan Ndoye. They nearly extended their lead but were thwarted by a marginal offside call against Ruben Vargas and a fine save by Germany's Manuel Neuer from Xhaka’s shot.
The draw ensured Germany finished top of Group A, with Switzerland taking second place. Hungary secured third place after a late stoppage-time goal to beat Scotland 1-0 in Stuttgart.
Germany will now face the runner-up of Group C in Dortmund on Saturday, which could be any of the teams—England, Slovenia, Denmark, or Serbia—depending on the results of their final Group C matches on Tuesday.
Nagelsmann acknowledged that their opponent might not appreciate having two fewer days to rest but added: “We have to prepare for four teams; they only have to prepare for one team.”
Switzerland is set to play against the runner-up of Group B, likely Italy or Croatia, at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin. Italy and Croatia meet on Monday to determine their positions.
Coach Murat Yakin expressed confidence in his team's performance. “I think we have a certain standing which we worked hard for. We’re on a good path,” Yakin stated, “without a defeat, with a very good style of play. We like being the dark horse.”
Switzerland’s goal came from a collaboration between Bologna teammates. Ndoye timed his run to connect with a pass from Remo Freuler, which originated from Fabian Rieder’s interception in the German half.
Earlier, Germany was denied a goal in the 17th minute after a video review showed a foul by Jamal Musiala, nullifying Robert Andrich’s long-range shot that had bounced past Sommer.
The Waldstadion playing surface, criticized in previous matches, held up better on Sunday with the roof closed, despite no forecasted rain for the next five days. The turf had been problematic since it was relaid in November following two NFL games hosted by the stadium.
Frankfurt will host two more games in Euro 2024, including a round of 16 match where Group F winner Portugal could potentially face Hungary, who must wait three days to learn their fate.
