Switzerland
Switzerland reached another international tournament by finishing second in their group behind the surprise package in this tournament, Romania. Switzerland only managed to qualify by finishing two points ahead of Israel and five points behind Romania. Switzerland’s record in the group was four wins, five draws and one loss which was against Romania.
Switzerland produced a brilliant display in the opening game against Hungary by securing a 3-1 victory, before their second game against Scotland. Kwadwo Duah impressed upon his full international debut in the starting eleven by scoring the opening goal in the first 20 minutes against Hungary. The Ludogrets striker had only played 45 minutes of international football – replacing the injured Breel Embolo for the opening game.
Switzerland were the top scorer in their group in qualifying, having scored 22 goals in 10 games which gave them an average of 2.2 goals per game scored. Defensively, they were less than assured conceding 11 goals in ten games, with 1.1 goals conceded per game.
It’s worth noting, that in Switzerland’s last ten games, whether that be competitive or non-competitive, they have kept only three clean sheets. In the last five meetings with Germany, they have failed to keep a clean sheet despite having the historical advantage.
Switzerland is backed by a majority Bundesliga representation. Granit Xhaka was a key component to the successful Bayer Leverkusen team last season and talisman striker Breel Embolo could have a bigger role than he did against Hungary. Embolo made an impact from the bench to score the third goal, as he recovered his fitness ahead of the third game.
Germany
Germany began their tournament with a convincing victory over Scotland. Julian Nagelsmann’s side won 5-1 and was thoroughly impressive throughout – thanks to goals from Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz, Niclas Fullkrug and Emre Can.
Germany did not choose the option of playing qualifying games for the tournament and instead spent the majority of the previous year playing international friendlies. The last competitive game Germany played at a major tournament was the final game of their group at the 2022 World Cup. Germany won 4-2 against Costa Rica but ultimately it was to no avail as Germany were eliminated.
Germany’s recent form following the Hungary game is quite formidable, as they are now on a run of five games without a defeat this year – their last defeat was a 2-0 loss against Ralf Rangnick’s Austria side. Germany have now won four out of their last five games, which also included a 2-1 win over rivals the Netherlands.
One of the more impressive victories Germany has obtained in the last five games was a 2-0 victory away from home against one of the tournament favourites in France. Florian Wirtz created history by scoring the fastest goal in international football history with a wonderfully struck effort from range seven seconds in. Arsenal forward, Kai Havertz rounded off the victory for Germany following a great move involving Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala.