Switzerland 1 Germany 1: Hosts’ late leveller means England MUST beat Slovenia to avoid nightmare last-16 tie vs Germans
GERMANY sub Nicolas Fullkrug’s stoppage-time equaliser means England must beat Slovenia or face the tournament hosts in the last 16.
The Germans will face the runners-up in the Three Lions’ group – to be discovered on Tuesday night.
And if the Group Lions finish top of Group c they’d face the Group A runners-up in the quarter-finals.
We’d face Germany in the quarter-final if Germany finish second
Robert Andrich skidded what he thought was a 25-yard opener into the bottom corner, although the only excuse for Swiss keeper Yann Sommer was the modest shot bouncing just in front of him.
But the Sommer’s heat for the Inter Milan star was eased when VAR inervened.
Jamal Musiala felling Swiss defender Michel Aebischer in the build-up was an easy spot for the video assistant.
And although the Germans continued to look comfortable they were rocked in the 29th minute.
Dan Ndoye stretched to volley a fine counter-attacking opener for Switzerland.
The Germans took a grip after the break, piling up the pressure at times and raining in goal attempts.
Only a stunning block from Manuel Akanji thwarted Joshua Kimmich six yards out.
But seven minutes from time an offside flag saved the Germans after Ruben Vargas burst clear to slot past Manuel Neuer.
Kai Havertz responded by looping a header off the Swiss bar.
And two minutes into stoppage time sub Nicolas Fullkrug rose for a classic headed equaliser.
But in the end Switzerland still reached the KO stage of a major tournament for the sixth successive time – albeit as runners-up tothe Germans.
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Switzerland Euro 2024 guide
IN RECENT years, the Swiss national team have been as reliable as one of their watches.
They’ll always be at tournaments and always go out in the last 16 – with the exception of Euro 2020 when they stunned France to win on penalties and reach the quarter-finals.
MANAGER: Murat Yakin
Former Basel coach who had a brush with Jose Mourinho in 2013, beating Chelsea in the Champions League.
STAR MAN: Granit Xhaka
The Swiss captain makes everything tick and is coming off the best season of his career, winning the double at Bayer Leverkusen.
How Switzerland attack
Switzerland are comfortable playing out from the back and can launch quick attacking moves with a pass from defence.
They will then quickly get the ball wide or to the strikers’ feet before pushing multiple players forward to occupy space.
How Switzerland defend
Switzerland are versatile in the way they defend and comfortable hanging back in a low block.
But at times they will completely change their approach to press high and catch the opposition off-guard.
Read the full Switzerland Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags
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Germany Euro 2024 guide
GERMANY’S reputation as tournament football’s greatest nation has taken a battering in recent years.
The hosts haven’t won a knockout game in eight years and the pressure is on for them to get it right in front of their home crowd.
MANAGER: Julian Nagelsmann
Bright, young and a bit of a maverick. The ex-Bayern Munich boss is known for his flashy outfits and arriving for training on a skateboard.
STAR MAN: Jamal Musiala
The 21-year-old former Chelsea star could have been playing for England and can make things happen out of nothing.
How Germany attack
Toni Kroos will typically drop deep to take the ball off the defence with the Germans then overloading the side of the pitch the ball is on.
That gives them the option of either passing through the congested area or attacking the other side with a crossfield ball to the man in space.
How Germany defend
Germany’s striker and the team’s five midfielders will form a diamond shape in the hope of preventing the opposition playing through the middle.
Should opponents then play the ball wide, the German full-backs will be expected to press high up the pitch in an attempt to win possession.
Read the full Germany Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags