Euro 2024: Germany leave it late to secure top spot

-

Switzerland 1 - 1 Germany

Substitute Niclas Füllkrug saved the day for Germany with a late equaliser, ensuring a 1-1 draw with Switzerland and securing the top spot in Group A.

Switzerland looked set to progress to the last 16 as group winners after Dan Ndoye's early strike, but Füllkrug's header changed the narrative. The goal ignited celebrations among the German fans behind the goal, as their team preserved their unbeaten record in Euro 2024.

For Switzerland, it was a heartbreaking turn of events after they had defended valiantly for over 90 minutes. Nevertheless, they advance to the knockout stages. Murat Yakin's side knew a win would see them surpass Germany, and they almost achieved this feat in Frankfurt, only to succumb to the relentless pressure in stoppage time.

Fan pictures: Switzerland 1 - 1 Germany

Germany had largely frustrated their home supporters with a lacklustre performance, but a late surge of opportunities finally bore fruit. Earlier, Swiss fans were jubilant, celebrating Ndoye’s superb first-time finish from Remo Freuler's cross.

Ndoye's disallowed goal for offside in the second half, which would have doubled their lead, compounded the Swiss frustration. Meanwhile, Andrich’s curled shot, which slipped under Yann Sommer’s arms, was also disallowed after a VAR review for a foul by Jamal Musiala.

Germany's initial lack of ruthlessness contrasted with their clinical displays in previous matches, yet optimism remains high for their prospects in the tournament. Winning Group A means Germany will face the runners-up from England's group next Saturday.

Julian Nagelsmann’s decision to stick with the same starting eleven for the third consecutive match appeared to affect his players, who seemed to lack energy and creativity. Switzerland’s disciplined and organised defence made it difficult for Germany to penetrate.

Click here for more news from German football

Ndoye's goal, somewhat against the run of play, boosted Swiss confidence, allowing them to pose a greater threat on the counter-attack, while Germany’s frustration grew. The Swiss fans’ chants filled the stadium at half-time, buoyed by their team's performance.

Germany's response was slow, with numerous wasted long-range attempts flying over the bar. Kai Havertz and Ilkay Gundogan missed chances before Füllkrug eventually breached the Swiss defence, securing a vital point for his team.

Popular posts from this blog

Sliding Doors Moments: What if Scholes wasn’t offside?

-
Image
It's time to for another sliding doors moment in football  We travel back to 2004. Manchester United face Porto in the last-16 of the Champions League.  Author - Liam C What actually happened? A ontroversial offside call against Paul Scholes became a pivotal moment in European football history. The disallowed goal cost United a place in the quarter-finals, while Porto, managed by the up and coming manager José Mourinho, went on to win the competition and launch Mourinho into the managerial elite. But what if Scholes hadn’t been ruled offside? How might this alternative scenario have changed the landscape of world and European football? Scholes wasn’t offside: United progress Had the linesman not flagged Scholes for offside, Manchester United would have progressed to the next round of the Champions League. Scholes' goal was legitimate, and had it stood, United would have won the tie on aggregate, knocking out Porto and ending their European dreams. With the Red Devils moving
Read more

PL News: Ten Hag sacked by Man United

-
Image
There has been a managerial change at Old Trafford. Manchester United have sacked manager Erik ten Hag due to the club's disappointing start to the season. Author - Olivia T Ten Hag's last match ended in a 2-1 defeat against West Ham , leaving the club in 14th place in the Premier League with only three wins from their first nine matches. The Red Devils are also 21st of 36 teams in the Europa League league stage, having drawn their three opening matches. Club sources from the club have reportedly suggested that this was a difficult decision but a unanimous one among all the key decision makers.  The club exercised a one-year extension in Ten Hag's contract after their FA Cup final win against Manchester City in May . However, just over three months later, he has been dismissed. United currently sit on 11 points after nine games, marking their second-lowest tally in the Premier League at this stage (only slightly better than the 10 points they had in the 2019-20 season)
Read more

Scotland: Kilmarnock stun Rangers with late winner

-
Image
Kilmarnock 1 - 0 Rangers Rangers remain six points behind the Premiership leaders after suffering a late defeat against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park. Author - Mark Lee In a lacklustre match, Rangers wasted several opportunities to secure three points. A combination of poor finishing and solid defending from Kilmarnock made it another frustrating afternoon for the Belgian manager. As the game was heading for a draw, David Watson's lob found Marley Watkins, who beat the offside trap and bundled the ball past Jack Butland. The Gers need to regroup quickly ahead of their Europa League match against FCSB on Thursday. Meanwhile, Derek McInnes' team has now moved to seventh place and are just outside the top six on goal difference. A closer look at how Kilmarnock stunned this Rangers side Home form has traditionally been a strength for Kilmarnock , but they had recorded five draws and one defeat in all competitions on their own pitch leading up to this game. ⚽️ Goal of the day: Mar
Read more