FRANKFURT, Germany — A stoppage-time header from Niclas Fullkrug rescued a 1-1 draw for Germany against Switzerland in Frankfurt, ensuring the Euro hosts finished top of Group A.
Dan Ndoye’s first-half goal in Frankfurt had put Switzerland on course to climb above hosts Germany into top spot.
But Fuellkrug’s late header ensured Julian Nagelsmann’s side advanced to the last 16 in pole position with seven points.
The Germans, who last won the Euros in 1996, will take on the Group C runners-up – currently slated to be Denmark – in the last 16, AFP reported.
Denmark, two points behind leaders England, plays Serbia in their last group game on Tuesday.
Germany is also on track for a potential quarter-final clash with Spain, who have been among the best teams at the tournament so far.
Switzerland, who reached the quarterfinals at the last Euros in 2021, has now made the knockout stage in six successive major tournaments.
As Group A runners-up with five points, the Swiss will face the second-placed team in Group B in the last 16.
“I think the equaliser was deserved, as was the group win. We threw a lot forward at the end,” said Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann.
“The cross was perfect. That was a nice moment for us as a team, that could be decisive. That changes the situation,” Füllkrug told ARD.
Heading into the match the hosts were optimistic they had turned the corner after almost a decade of disappointment at major tournaments, with two World Cup group stage exits bookending a Euros last 16 elimination.
Led by an experienced midfield featuring captain Ilkay Gundogan and Toni Kroos, Germany beat both Scotland and Hungary in their first two matche.
Germany were however caught off guard by Switzerland’s energy and failed to carve out many clear-cut chances.
Despite Füllkrug’s late rescue effort, Nagelsmann will have plenty to ponder after the stodgy performance.
Nagelsmann decided to play the same starting XI for the third straight game despite already having made sure of a last 16 place.
It was a decision he may regret when defender Jonathan Tah saw yellow, his second in the group stage, meaning he will miss Germany’s first knockout game.
“The yellow card for Tah was unjustified, which is annoying. But we have enough quality to compensate for that,” Nagelsmann said.
Pushed on by an optimistic and partisan home ground, Germany started brightly, carving out some half-chances after launching long balls over Switzerland’s midfield press.
Robert Andrich looked to have given Germany the lead after 16 minutes when Yann Sommer made a meal of his long-range strike, which bounced past the goalkeeper and into the net.
The goal was however overturned with VAR finding Jamal Musiala had committed a foul in the lead-up.
The Swiss had been on the back foot early but took the lead on the 28-minute mark, taking advantage of some sloppy play from Musiala and Joshua Kimmich.
Musiala lost the ball in his own half, sending Switzerland on the break. Kimmich won but then let go of possession, allowing Remo Freuler to find Ndoye who stuck out a leg and booted the ball into the net.
It was the first time the hosts had trailed this tournament and the goal seemed to rattle Germany, who was increasingly hesitant in closing out the first half.
Germany went on the attack in the second half as Nagelsmann made several offensive changes but the hosts had few clear chances against a Swiss side doggedly protecting their lead.
Although Germany were already through to the last 16 after beating Scotland and Hungary, Nagelsmann opted against resting his stars as he named an unchanged team for a third successive game.
Switzerland took a shock lead in the 28th minute as Ndoye met Remo Freuler’s cross with a close-range volley that flashed past Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
Ndoye’s first international goal was made in Bologna as both he and Freuler played for the Serie A club last season.
Adding to Germany’s problems, Jonathan Tah was booked, earning the centre-back a ban for the first knockout game.
Germany dominated possession but Ilkay Gundogan scuffed wide with the goal at his mercy after Yann Sommer parried Jamal Musiala’s stinging strike into the midfielder’s path.
Their pressure was finally rewarded in stoppage-time when Fuellkrug rose highest to power his header into the top corner.
