LAST-GASP super-sub Niclas Fullkrug pounced with a header to break Swiss hearts. Two minutes into added time Germany’s goal machine rose brilliantly to head home. Murat Yakin’s side thought they’d won it courtesy of a first half Dan Ndoye strike and were ready to celebrate a first competitive win over them for 86-years.
But then Borussia Dortmund ace Fullkrug – unlucky not to be starting ahead of Kai Havertz – had his say to secure top spot in Group A for Germany and a last 16 tie in Dortmund on Saturday. Switzerland, though, still clinched second spot and they will now play in Berlin the same day. For the third game in a row Julian Nagelsmann named the same Germany team which was a little surprising given that they’re already comfortably through to the knockout stage.
There had been a thought the Germany head coach might want to rest one or two of his top men. But, no, Nagelsmann’s stressed the need for rhythm – and there was the need also to wrap up things as group winners. Swiss boss Yakin didn’t mind seeing legend Xherdan Shaqiri net a beauty midweek against Scotland, making him the only player to score at the last three Euros and World Cups.
But it also didn’t stop him from dropping the Chicago Fire attacker – bringing back frontman Breel Embolo for his first international start in 18-months after recovering from knee and hamstring injuries. EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERS It was a frantic opening five minutes with some meaty tackles flying in. After.
