Germany clinch group with last gasp Fullkrug goal against Switzerland

In the final UEFA EURO 2024 Group A fixture, Niklas Fullkrug scored deep into stoppage time to equalize for Germany against Switzerland who had led for much of the match with an Ndoye goal early in the first half.

Switzerland and Germany shared the points in their Group A fixture in Frankfurt, both qualifying for the round of 16 of UEFA EURO 2024. Dan Ndoye broke the deadlock, before Niclas Füllkrug equalised for the hosts in the closing minutes.

Julian Nagelsmann confirmed the same starting line-up for the third consecutive game, hoping for the same result as the first two matches. After two corners in the opening three minutes, the pace of the game slowed, with Germany controlling both possession and tempo, but struggling to create chances.

From a great team move close to the half-hour, the Nati took the lead, with Remo Freuler providing the assist to Bologna team-mate Ndoye, who picked the perfect time to score his first senior international goal. The game lit up, and Ndoye once again scared the German fans, his shot going narrowly wide.

Die Mannschaft reacted, going close to equalising through Antonio Rüdiger’s header just before half-time. Germany began the second half with a fine opportunity, a powerful strike by Jamal Musiala saved by Yann Sommer, with İlkay Gündoğan unable to make a good connection on the rebound. Next Toni Kroos tried his luck, also in vain.

Germany kept pushing. Kai Havertz’s header worried Sommer. Then the hosts produced their best moment yet – Joshua Kimmich went for goal from close range, but Manuel Akanji’s block was phenomenal. Havertz threatened too, his header grazing the top of the bar.

However, Switzerland’s first competitive win over Germany in 86 years looked increasingly likely – even after a disallowed goal for Ruben Vargas – until Füllkrug did what he does best. From a cross by fellow replacement David Raum, the super sub beat Sommer with a great header to keep Germany first in the group.

Switzerland: Sommer; Schär, Akanji, Rodríguez; Widmer, Freuler, Xhaka, Aebischer; Ndoye (Amdouni 65), Embolo (Duah 65), Rieder (Vargas 65)

Germany: Neuer; Kimmich, Rüdiger, Tah (Schlotterbeck 61), Mittelstädt (Raum 61); Andrich (Beier 66), Kroos; Musiala (Füllkrug 77), Gündoğan, Wirtz (Sané 77); Havertz