Niklas Fulkrug’s superb stoppage-time header at the end of another superb match salvaged a draw for Germany, who now go through to the knockout stages of Euro 2024 as winners of Group A. Switzerland, who took a first-half lead and were excellent throughout, qualified in the round of 16 in second place.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH – MANUEL AKANJI (SWITZERLAND)
He covered at the back, attacked the ball and marshalled his team’s back line.
PLAYER RATINGS
Switzerland: Sommer 7, Scharr 7, Akanji 8, Rodriguez 7, Widmer 6, Xhaka 8, Freulet 7, Ebischer 7, Ndoje 7, Embolo 7, Reeder 7. Subs: Vargas 6, Dua 6, Amdoni 6.
Germany: Neuer 6, Kimmich 5, Rudiger 6, Tach 6, Mittelstadt 6, Andrich 6, Kroos 6, Musiala 6, Gundogan 6, Wirtz 6, Havertz 6. Substitutions: Raum 7, Schlotterbeck 6, Bayer 6, Sane 6, Fulkrug 7.
KEY MOMENTS
17′ – NO GOAL! Germany released Mittelstadt down the left, Aebischer did really well to get in front of Musiale. But when the ball is played out to Andric on the edge, he whips a shot that skips the turf just in front of Sommer, who should do much better, his first goal for Germany! But wait… move to VAR… Yes, Musiala slides in and takes the man without the ball, Aebischer has already cleared. No goal. The right decision.
28′ – GOAL!! Switzerland 1-0 Germany (Ndoje): NOW THEN! Reeder runs through the middle, collects Ndoye’s backheel, then passes down the flank to find Frøyler, who crosses low, and Ndoye, catching in front of Taha, stretches for a fine volley that flies high past Neuer! Switzerland Switzerland again!
84′ – OH MY DAYS! Duah makes a comeback and Amdouni shoves Vargas inside. He scores an expert finish over Neuer, ending the match … and the flag goes up. He will regret not timing the race just a fraction better.
90+2′ – GOAL! Switzerland 1-1 Germany (Fulkrug): Germany work the ball from right to left and Raum swings over a nice cross, Fulkrug leaps back and almost gets away from his header to soften a killer finish into the far side netting! Great goal, and Switzerland will feel very, very bad. Football is a brutal, beautiful business.