Before the game with Hungary (won 2-0), Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said that he puts their opponent in the same level as Scotland. And it has to be said, both Scotland and Hungary are not cream of the crop anyway. So, the real test for the Germans was a strong and organized team like Switzerland. And in that first test, the hosts almost failed: Switzerland – Germany 1-1. Die Mannschaft needed either a win or a draw in this game in order to remain first in Group A and avoid facing England in Round 16. But, with this score they could well end up playing against the best team at EURO (so far) – Spain in the quarter finals.The goal is achieved and that’s basically the only good thing in this match. Everything else was wrong, starting with the equalizing goal, which came in the 93rd minute of the match, after almost 20 shots directed at the Swiss keeper. The hosts found it very tough to score against a side which was this organized and tough like the Swiss. With so many of their players coming from Bundesliga, it almost looked like Germany against their B side, but the consequence was that the hosts were up against their lookalikes and only scored in injury time. On the other hand, the Swiss were on the brink of sensation, but in reality, scored from the first shot on target and made the second one near the end of the match. The worrying thing for coach Julian Naglesmann must surely be the fact that his team still has a negative record when losing at half time – no wins in the last eight games (including tonight).Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann has dismissed suggestions they would prefer to lose against Switzerland in order to avoid a potential quarter-final against Spain and brought out his strongest 11, while Switzerland coach benched team’s hero Xherdan Shaqiri. Germany started with a great chance in the third minute, but Havertz shot straight at Sommer. Andrich scored his maiden Germany goal in the 17th minute, but Musiala’s foul before the goal made referee Orsato to cancel it. The Swiss took the lead with their first shot on target. Freuler’s cross was picked up by Ndoye and there was no offside. The same player came close to his second goal just two minutes later, but Neuer was there.4 – Germany’s Niclas Füllkrug scores as a substitute for the fourth time at a major tournament (EURO & World Cup) and is now the record-scorer for Germany coming from the bench. #SUIGER #EURo2024 pic.twitter.com/GkTUWfAk0j— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) June 23, 2024 In the second half, the Germans continued to attack but Sommer denied Musiala in the 50th minute, which was the best chance for the hosts up to that point. Kimmich had even better chance in the 70th minute but Akanji prevented a certain goal. Xhaka could made it 2-0 near the end but Neuer again saved his goal before Nagelsmann’s super subs Raum and Fullkrug combined for the late equalizer.EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP – GROUP STAGESunday Switzerland – Germany 1-1 (1-0)/Ndoye 28 – Fullkrug 93/Scotland – Hungary 0-1(0-0)/Csoboth 90+10/Monday 22.00: (7.50) Albania (4.40) Spain (1.45)22.00: (3.05) Croatia (3.45) Italy (2.45)***odds are subject to change***
