After Niclas Fullkrug equalised in injury time to deny Switzerland and gain a 1-1 draw, Germany emerged victorious in Group A.
After easily defeating Scotland 5-1 and Hungary 2-0 in their first two games, the hosts were wasteful against the tenacious Swiss, who finished second in the group and went undefeated.
In the round of 16, Germany’s opponent may be England from Group C, but as it stands, Denmark will play Group B’s second-place finishers, Italy, Croatia, or Albania. Switzerland will play Group B’s winner, Switzerland.
After a VAR investigation, Robert Andrich thought he had given Germany the lead in the 17th minute with a long-range drive that looped over Yann Sommer’s gloves. Sommer was relieved to see the goal disallowed for Jamal Musiala’s foul on Michel Aebischer in the build-up.
Germany got the better of the game, but right before the interval, Dan Ndoye’s opening took them by surprise. Remo Freuler took advantage of Joshua Kimmich, the right-back, being caught off guard by crossing low, allowing Ndoye to score.
A minute later, Ndoye raced past Antonio Rudiger to run through on goal, shot past Manuel Neuer, and miss the right post by inches, giving Switzerland the lead.
With Switzerland expected to win the group, Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji led the visitors’ defence brilliantly and stopped Joshua Kimmich from scoring a definite goal in the second half with a block.
A thrilling final ten minutes saw Kai Havertz clip the top of the crossbar with a header, Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka denied by Manuel Neuer, and substitute Fullkrug provide the crucial finishing touch by nodding in a crucial equaliser in the 92nd minute. However, the offside flag denied them a second after substitute Ruben Vargas had found the net.
Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann:
“It’s always important to have players on the bench who can change games. We have players who can come in off the bench who are different. We need every player. They can be important for us in every situation.
“[Fullkrug] gives a good argument for both jobs – coming from the starting XI and off the bench. It’s good luck and bad luck for him that he is so good in that role.”
Switzerland manager Murat Yakin:
“I am very proud of the performance but it’s rather sad for the team that we could not take the victory home. But there was a lot of pressure from the Germans so we can say we take the draw. I am happy we didn’t take a defeat.
“It wasn’t enough for first place [in the group] but I think the next opponent also has to watch out for us. We can be very happy.”
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