Germany Secures Late Equalizer to Draw 1-1 with Switzerland, Tops Euro 2024 Group

Germany clinched a late 1-1 draw against an impressive Switzerland team, preventing their first loss at the European Championship. The equalizer came in stoppage time, securing Germany's top position in Group A.

Defender Nico Schlotterbeck and center-back Antonio Rüdiger both leaped for the ball, but it was substitute Niclas Füllkrug who managed to head the cross from David Raum past Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer into the top corner. This crucial goal came two minutes into stoppage time.

“We risked a lot in this phase because we could have conceded a second goal,” Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann remarked. “Who doesn't dare to risk, doesn't get to draw.”

Germany had already secured advancement to the round of 16 before the match but maintained momentum from previous wins against Scotland and Hungary. The draw felt like a win under the circumstances.

“When you see how the Germans celebrated their goal, that says everything,” commented Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka, who was named player of the match.

Switzerland took the lead in the 28th minute with Dan Ndoye's volleyed shot. They continued to press for a second goal, which was denied by a marginal offside ruling against Ruben Vargas and a fine save by Manuel Neuer from Xhaka's shot.

Both teams earned a point, with Germany finishing top and Switzerland second in Group A. Hungary secured third place by scoring an even later stoppage-time goal to defeat Scotland 1-0 in Stuttgart.

Germany will face the runner-up in Group C in Dortmund for their round of 16 game on Saturday. Possible opponents include England, Slovenia, Denmark, or Serbia, depending on the outcomes of Tuesday's final Group C matches.

Nagelsmann noted that their upcoming opponent might not appreciate having two fewer days of rest but added: “We have to prepare for four teams, they only have to prepare for one team.”

Switzerland will play the runner-up in Group B at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin on Saturday, likely Italy or Croatia, who meet Monday for their decisive group match. Coach Murat Yakin suggested that Switzerland's performance has earned them respect from higher-ranked opponents.

“I think we have a certain standing which we worked hard for. We're on a good path,” Yakin said. “Without a defeat, with a very good style of play. We like being the dark horse.”

Switzerland's goal was crafted by players from Bologna, an Italian club newly qualified for its first Champions League entry next season. Ndoye met a floated pass from his Bologna teammate Remo Freuler, following an attack initiated by Fabian Rieder, who won the ball in the German half.

Germany was denied an early lead in the 17th minute due to a video review. Robert Andrich's long-range shot bounced over Sommer, but the VAR team alerted Italian referee Daniele Orsato to an earlier foul by Jamal Musiala.

The Waldstadion's playing surface, previously criticized for its condition, held up better for this match, with the roof remaining closed despite no forecast of rain for the next five days. The turf had been problematic since being laid in November after the stadium hosted two NFL games.

Frankfurt will host two more Euro 2024 matches, including a round of 16 game that might feature Group F winner Portugal against Hungary, which must wait three days to learn its fate.