Euro 2024: Niclas Fuellkrug’s Late Equalizer Secures Top Spot for Germany in Group A
New Delhi: A stoppage time classic header from Niclas Fullkrug helped Germany to secure a 1-1 draw against Switzwerland in Euro 2024 on Sunday in Frankfurt, ensuring the Host nation finish top of Group A.
The Swiss hit the lead early, Dan Ndoye booting in from close range after 28 minutes to stun the home side.
Germany took a series of risks late in the hope of an equaliser and veteran striker Fuellkrug delivered, heading home in the second minute of stoppage time.
The result means Switzerland, rather than Germany, faces a tougher last 16 opponent, setting up a potential meeting with holders Italy or 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia.
The Germans look set to face second place in England’s Group C, which is currently Denmark.
Heading into this match, the German squad was optimistic about turning the corner after nearly a decade of underperformance in major tournaments. Led by an experienced midfield featuring captain Ilkay Gundogan and Toni Kroos, Germany had beaten both Scotland and Hungary in its first two Euros matches, raising hopes of a deep tournament run.
However, the hosts were caught off guard by Switzerland’s energy and struggled to create clear-cut chances against a resolute Swiss defense. Despite Fuellkrug’s late heroics, Germany’s coach Julian Nagelsmann will have much to ponder after the team’s stodgy performance.
Despite having already secured a spot in the last 16, Nagelsmann opted to field the same starting XI for the third consecutive game.
This decision could prove costly, as defender Jonathan Tah received a yellow card, his second in the group stage, which will sideline him for Germany’s first knockout match.
Buoyed by an enthusiastic and supportive home crowd, Germany began the match with vigor, creating several half-chances by sending long balls over Switzerland’s pressing midfield.
Robert Andrich looked to have given Germany the lead after 16 minutes when Yann Sommer made a meal of his long-range strike, which bounced past the goalkeeper and into the net.
The goal was however overturned with VAR finding Jamal Musiala had committed a foul in the lead-up.
The Swiss had been on the back foot early but took the lead on the 28-minute mark, taking advantage of some sloppy play from Musiala and Joshua Kimmich.
Musiala lost the ball in his own half, sending Switzerland on the break. Kimmich won but then let go of possession, allowing Remo Freuler to find Ndoye who stuck out a leg and booted the ball into the net.
It was the first time the host had trailed this tournament and the goal seemed to rattle Germany, which was increasingly hesitant in closing out the first half.
Germany went on the attack in the second half as Nagelsmann made several offensive changes but the host had few clear chances against a Swiss side doggedly protecting its lead.
Man City defender Manuel Akanji stretched out to block Kimmich at point-black range with 20 minutes remaining.
Nagelsmann brought Fullkrug from the bench with 14 minutes remaining and the Borussia Dortmund striker stepped up to the plate, heading in a cross from David Raum to send Germany back to the top of the group.