Substitute Niclas Fullkrug scored a dramatic late equalizer for Germany, salvaging a 1-1 draw with Switzerland and ensuring they topped Group A at Euro 2024.
Switzerland appeared poised to advance as group winners following an early goal from Dan Ndoye. However, Fullkrug’s crucial header in the dying moments of the match dashed their hopes and sparked jubilant celebrations from the German supporters.
The Swiss had defended resolutely for over 90 minutes, only to see their lead slip away in stoppage time. Despite the disappointment, they still progress to the knockout stages of the tournament.
“At the end, I think this point is well deserved. We risked a lot, as we could have conceded a second goal,” said Germany’s head coach Julian Nagelsmann. “It was a very strong group and a very good match. I think if we had scored that first goal, it would have been very difficult for Switzerland.”
Murat Yakin’s Swiss side knew that a victory would see them leapfrog Germany, and they almost achieved this in Frankfurt. The pressure from the home side finally took its toll in stoppage time as Germany, who had largely frustrated their fans in the stands, created a flurry of chances late on and eventually broke through.
Earlier in the match, Swiss fans were in high spirits, bouncing and singing after Ndoye placed a first-time shot into the roof of the net from Remo Freuler’s dangerous cross. Ndoye nearly doubled the lead in the second half, but his goal was ruled out for offside, the second such incident after the video assistant referee (VAR) intervened for Germany’s Robert Andrich.
Andrich had curled a shot from the edge of the box under the arms of goalkeeper Yann Sommer, but referee Daniele Orsato overturned the goal after reviewing a foul by Jamal Musiala in the build-up on the pitchside monitor.
Germany showed less of the ruthlessness that characterized their opening two victories in the tournament, yet high hopes remain that they can progress far in the competition. By winning Group A, Germany will face the team that finishes second in England’s group next Saturday.
