Germany secured an important level in dramatic style in opposition to Switzerland, guaranteeing their spot within the Euro 2024 final 16 as group winners.
Despite dealing with a well-organized Swiss crew that successfully neutralized Germany’s gifted squad, particularly with their deep defensive technique from the beginning, Jamal Musiala often showcased his skillful playmaking.
However, it wasn’t till the 92nd minute when substitute Niclas Fuellkrug’s late equalizer lastly broke by way of Switzerland’s resilient protection.
Kai Havertz, initially main the assault, spurned quite a few half probabilities, and defender Antonio Rüdiger ought to have completed higher with a first-half header. Germany, who had a purpose disallowed at 0-0, had few clear alternatives till late on.
Germany dominated possession, with 66% of the ball in accordance with Opta, accomplished greater than double the variety of passes Switzerland managed, and had 18 pictures on purpose – although solely three of these have been heading in the right direction.
The Swiss, in the meantime, have been medical: Dan Ndoye’s acrobatic volley put away both aspect’s greatest likelihood within the first half, and he practically doubled the lead instantly afterward, outmuscling Rüdiger however capturing simply large.
Switzerland might have sealed prime spot in Group A themselves late on as Ruben Vargas had the ball within the web within the 84th minute however had strayed offside earlier than captain Granit Xhaka drew a full-length dive from Manuel Neuer to maintain it at 1-0.
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann – who for the third time named the identical beginning 11 – is an enormous fan of Havertz, however the truth an old-school quantity 9 like Fuellkrug saved the day might immediate requires the aspect to have a transparent focus up entrance.
Ultimately, Germany have progressed to the knockout levels with an unbeaten document on the prime of Group A. The irony, nevertheless, is that it means they could face a aspect higher suited to replicating Switzerland’s recreation plan.
Second place would seemingly have pitted Germany in opposition to an uncharacteristically attacking Italy aspect underneath Luciano Spalletti or Croatia, who’ve sought to manage possession of their two group matches up to now.
Going by way of as winners means they might as an alternative face Denmark or Slovenia, each of whom will take coronary heart from the best way Switzerland have been in a position to muzzle the likes of Musiala, Havertz, and Florian Wirtz.
“Of course, we would have liked to win the game and to play great football,” captain Ilkay Gündoğan mentioned. “But I feel you additionally want video games like that in a event.
“And that can also be a real strength for the next games, hopefully.”
Nagelsmann will hope Gündoğan’s optimistic evaluation of a difficult contest proves to be appropriate.
Source: www.dailysabah.com