FRANKFURT: Niklas Fuelkrug’s late header earned Germany a 1-1 draw with Switzerland in Frankfurt on Sunday, ensuring the Euros are top hosts in Group A.
Switzerland took the lead after 28 minutes when Dan Ndoye scored from close range to seal the deal.
Germany’s equalizer and veteran striker Fuelkrugged took a bit of a late risk, heading home in the second minute of stoppage time.
As a result, Switzerland, instead of Germany, will face the last 16 tie, potentially setting up a meeting with either Italy or 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia.
Germany are currently second in Group C with England and Denmark.
“I think the equalizer was as deserved as the team’s victory. In the end, we took a big lead,” said Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann.
“The cross was fantastic. It was a decisive moment that could have been a decisive moment for us as a team. It changed the situation,” said Fuelkrug ARD.
The hosts will be hoping to make a breakthrough after nearly a decade of disappointment at major tournaments, with two World Cup group stages taking the Euros into the last 16.
Led by an experienced midfield featuring captain Ilkay Gundogan and Toni Kroos, Germany beat Scotland and Hungary in their first two games.
However, Germany was held back by the power of Switzerland and failed to capitalize on open opportunities.
Despite Fuelkrug’s late save, Nagelsmann will have plenty to think about after a messy performance.
Nagelsmann decided to play the same starting XI for the third game in a row despite finishing in the last 16.
Defender Jonathan Tah, second in the group, may be disappointed to see the yellow which means he will miss Germany’s first knockout game.
“The yellow card for Tah is unwarranted, it’s frustrating. But we have enough quality to make up for it,” said Nagelsmann.
Germany, buoyed by an optimistic and partisan home field, began to take advantage of the half-time opportunity after firing a long ball at the Swiss central press.
Robert Andric looked to have given Germany the lead after 16 minutes when Annan Sommer curled a long-range shot past the keeper and into the net.
However, striker Jamal Musiala was fouled by VAR.
The Swiss were on the back foot but capitalized on Musiala and Joshua Kimmich to take the lead at the 28-minute mark.
Musiala lost the ball in his own half and sent Switzerland into the break. Kimmich won, but then allowed Remo Freulere to find Ndoye, who stuck his leg and slotted the ball into the net.
It was the first follow-up of the tournament and the goal seemed to destroy Germany’s hesitation in the closing stages of the first half.
Germany continued to attack in the second half as Nagelsmann made several offensive changes, but the hosts had several clear-cut opportunities for the Swiss side to defend their lead.
Man City defender Manuel Akanji tries to stop Kimmich in the black with 20 minutes remaining.
Nagelsmann brought Fuelkrug off the bench with 14 minutes remaining and the Borussia Dortmund striker headed home David Raum’s cross to put Germany in front.
