In a dramatic finale to Group A, a stoppage-time header from Niclas Fuellkrug secured a 1-1 draw for Germany against Switzerland on Sunday in Frankfurt, ensuring the Euro 2024 hosts finished top of the group. Meanwhile, Hungary kept their hopes alive with a last-gasp 1-0 victory over Scotland, who were heartbreakingly knocked out of the tournament.
Germany’s Stumble and Recovery
Switzerland’s Early Lead
Germany, playing in front of a fervent home crowd, began the match with high hopes of maintaining their perfect record in the group. However, Switzerland stunned the hosts when Dan Ndoye booted in from close range after 28 minutes, capitalising on sloppy play from the German midfield. Jamal Musiala lost possession in a dangerous area, leading to a swift counter-attack that ended with Ndoye’s clinical finish.
VAR Intervenes
Germany thought they had taken the lead in the 16th minute when Robert Andrich’s long-range strike slipped past Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer. However, VAR intervened, ruling out the goal for a foul in the build-up, leaving the hosts frustrated and goalless.
Struggles Against Swiss Defence
The goal seemed to rattle Germany, which struggled to create clear-cut chances against a resolute Swiss defence.
Despite having already secured their place in the knockout stages, Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann opted to field the same starting XI for the third consecutive match, a decision that would come under scrutiny as the game progressed.
The Turning Point
Nagelsmann’s Tactical Changes
As the game wore on, Nagelsmann made several offensive changes in a bid to salvage a result. The German attack continued to falter against Switzerland’s dogged defence, with Manuel Akanji notably blocking Joshua Kimmich’s effort at point-blank range with 20 minutes remaining.
Fuellkrug’s Heroics
It wasn’t until the second minute of stoppage time that Germany’s persistence paid off.
David Raum delivered a precise cross into the box, and substitute striker Niclas Fuellkrug rose highest to head the ball into the net, sparking wild celebrations among the home fans.
The 1-1 draw meant Germany topped Group A, setting up a likely clash with Denmark, the second-placed team from Group C, in the round of 16.
Concerns for Germany
Despite the dramatic equaliser, Nagelsmann will have much to ponder ahead of the knockout stages. Defender Jonathan Tah received his second yellow card of the group stage, ruling him out of Germany’s next match.
Moreover, the team’s overall performance, particularly in the first half, raised concerns about their ability to go deep into the tournament.
Hungary’s Dramatic Victory
High Stakes for Both Teams
In Stuttgart, Hungary secured a vital 1-0 win over Scotland thanks to a 100th-minute goal from Kevin Csoboth, keeping their hopes of advancing to the last 16 alive.
The match was, however, marred by a horrific collision that saw Hungary striker Barnabas Varga stretchered off, casting a pall over the proceedings.
Tense First Half
Both teams entered the match with high stakes. Scotland needed a victory to advance to the knockout stages for the first time in a major tournament since 1996, while Hungary sought to keep their tournament hopes alive after a mixed group stage campaign.
Few Clear Chances
The first half was a tense affair with few clear chances. Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn made a crucial save to deny Bendeguz Bolla, while Hungary’s Dominik Szoboszlai saw his free-kick skim the top of the crossbar. The match took a dramatic turn in the second half when Varga collided with Gunn and Anthony Ralston, leading to a lengthy stoppage as medics attended to the injured striker.
The Climactic Ending
Desperate Search for a Winner
As the match entered stoppage time, both teams desperately searched for a winner. Gunn made a series of crucial saves to keep Scotland in the game, but it was Hungary who found the breakthrough.
In the 100th minute, Csoboth latched onto a cutback and steered the ball past Gunn, breaking Scottish hearts and securing the win for Hungary.
Hungary’s Hopeful Wait
The result left Hungary’s fate in the hands of other results, as they must rely on being one of the best third-placed sides to advance.
Scotland, meanwhile, finished bottom of Group A with just one point, their wait for a first European Championship win since 1996 continuing.
Looking Ahead
Germany’s Prospects
Germany’s last-gasp draw with Switzerland and Hungary’s dramatic win over Scotland have set the stage for an exciting knockout phase.
Germany, despite a mixed performance, will take confidence from their unbeaten group stage run and the heroics of Fuellkrug. However, the suspension of Jonathan Tah and the need for a more cohesive team performance will be on Nagelsmann’s mind as they prepare for the next challenge.
Hungary’s Uncertain Future
For Hungary, the late winner keeps their dreams alive, but they face an anxious wait to see if they will progress as one of the best third-placed teams.
Scotland, on the other hand, will return home with lessons learned and the determination to build on their experience for future tournaments.
As Euro 2024 progresses, the drama and excitement are only set to increase, with fans eagerly anticipating the next round of matches.
Germany’s resilience and Hungary’s last-minute heroics have added to the tournament’s rich tapestry, promising more thrilling football in the days to come.
