Fullkrug saves hosts at the death

Niclas Fullkrug came off the bench to snatch an injury-time equaliser against Switzerland and send Germany through to the knockout stages of Euro 2024 as Group A winners.

The tournament hosts trailed for much of the contest to Dan Ndoye’s first-half goal and it appeared their best efforts would not be enough on a night of frustration for Julian Nagelsmann’s men.

But Fullkrug got on the end of David Raum’s inviting cross in the 91st minute to head past Yann Sommer and deny the Swiss.

Switzerland also go through in second with Hungary third following their late win against Scotland.

🇩🇪 Füllkrug’s late goal secures top spot in Group A 👏#EURO2024 | #SUIGER pic.twitter.com/s98x3okViQ

— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 23, 2024

Germany came out with plenty of intent and just two minutes had elapsed when Kai Havertz got on the end of a corner to divert a header straight at Sommer.

Germany thought they had taken the lead after 16 minutes, Sommer making a hash of Robert Andrich’s speculative 25-yard effort at his near post. However, VAR intervened and the goal was ruled out for a foul by Jamal Musiala on Michel Aebischer in the build-up.

Switzerland made the most of their reprieve and went in front 12 minutes later. Musiala lost the ball in midfield, Switzerland broke and Remo Freuler crossed from the left for Ndoye to steal in front of Jonathan Tan and volley past Manuel Neuer.

Germany were stunned and Ndoye came within inches of doubling the Swiss lead two minutes later with a left-footed drive that flashed inches wide of Neuer’s left-hand post.

Germany spent the entire second period camped in the Swiss half but were frustrated by some poor finishing.

Florian Wirtz was the architect after 49 minutes with a brilliant through ball to Musiala. The Bayern Munich youngster got his shot on target but it was straight at Sommer and Ilkay Gundogan skewed the rebound wide.

Substitute Raum fired powerfully over before Gundogan glanced a header off target.

✅ Germany and Switzerland advance to the RO16
👀 Hungary are still in with a chance of qualifying
❌ Scotland are OUT of Euro 2024

Group A delivered 🍿 pic.twitter.com/DgSPDBARs2

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) June 23, 2024

Switzerland were defending manfully, a point typified by a brilliant challenge from Manuel Akanji to prevent Joshua Kimmich getting a clear shot on goal from six yards. Maximilian Beier could not force home the loose ball.

The Swiss were being forced to play on the counter but it almost proved fruitful with seven minutes to go as Zeki Amdouni played in substitute Ruben Vargas and he clipped past Neuer only to see the offside flag go up.

Havertz struck the bar with a header at one end while at the other only a brilliant save from Neuer prevented Grant Xhaka capping a fine performance with Switzerland’s second.

It looked like Switzerland had done enough but they bargained without Fullkrug. Raum, who was impressive down the left flank, whipped in another ball and the Borussia Dortmund striker rose highest to plant a header past Sommer.