Here is a look at the top key battles on the pitch for tonight’s Group A clash between Switzerland and Germany.
Key battles to watch out for in Germany vs Switzerland game. (Photo: Getty Images)
New Delhi: It is the start of matchday three of UEFA Euro 2024 group stages and we have a big match-up lined up tonight from group A, where Switzerland will be facing the current tabe toppers Germany. The Germans booked their early ticket to the knockout stages after defeating a stubborn Hungarian side 2-0, while nothing is certain for Switzerland as they will be needing a draw to progress through to the next stage of the competition.
While the team lineups are yet to be announced, there are certain matchups on the pitch that could play a pivotal role in deciding the outcome of the game. Certain German stars will be looking to produce good performances to make sure that their side tops the group while progressing into the knockout stages while the Swiss know that the only way that they can confirm their qualification is by not losing the composure that they have had in their previous group stage matches.
With Germany being the favourites to win the clash, Switzerland need to take their chances and play the best possible game that they can to resist the dangerous threat of the German side. So let’s look at some key battles that could prove pivotal for both sides and how the coaches should plan in order to get the best result for their respective sides.
Granit Xhaka vs Robert Andrich
STUTTGART, GERMANY – JUNE 19: Robert Andrich of Germany applauds the fans as he warms up before the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Germany and Hungary at Stuttgart Arena on June 19, 2024 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Kevin Voigt/Getty Images)
It would’ve been an easy pick if i had chosen to put Kroos into this midfield battle but Robert Andrich, ever since has been given the chance to conduct the midfield as a holding midfielder, has produced some exceptional performances that truly went under the radar due to the presence of other highly reputed players in the squad. Robert Andrich is the classic example of how a holding midfielder should be and his playing style is something that involves physicality, hard tackling and making crucial interceptions.
COLOGNE, GERMANY – JUNE 19: Granit Xhaka of Switzerland during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Scotland and Switzerland at Cologne Stadium on June 19, 2024 in Cologne, Germany. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
On the other hand, nobody can doubt the abilities of the long serving Swiss captain, Granit Xhaka who has had a season to remember for both club and country. His decision making, exceptional playmaking abilities and aggressive playing style down the midfield is a crucial factor for his side. Over the years he has established himself as a wonderful defensive midfielder who can cause some major damage with his long passses while also contributing defensively for his team.
It would be a physical battle between Xhaka and Andrich as they both know each other’s game style pretty well after playing together in an unbelievable title winning campaign at Bayer Leverkusen. These two could prove pivotal down the midfield for their respective sides.
Florian Wirtz vs Manuel Akanji
STUTTGART, GERMANY – JUNE 19: Florian Wirtz of Germany during his team’s national anthem ahead of the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Germany and Hungary at Stuttgart Arena on June 19, 2024 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Kevin Voigt/Getty Images)
Florian wirts had a major breakthrough season at Bayer Leverkusen and has continued his wonderful form at Euros becoming a talismanic presence for the German side. The fact hat he is still just 21 years old and has already become an integral part of the German squad is something that needs to be studied. The attacking midfielder has a shifting role in the the midfield where Nagelsmann has given him the freedom to roam around the box in search of the perfect opportunity to put the ball into the net and well! He has done his job well so far.
COLOGNE, GERMANY – JUNE 19: Manuel Akanji of Switzerland in action during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Scotland and Switzerland at Cologne Stadium on June 19, 2024 in Cologne, Germany. (Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Wirtz’s pace, ability to beat the defenders, passing ability and decent finishing makes him a massive threat for the Swiss side. However, Switzerland have a certain rock at the back by the name of Manuel Akanji, who produced a man of the match performance against Scotland. The Manchester City centre back has been solid for the Swiss side and can certainly be the player to stop the attacking prowess of the fiery German wonderkid Florian Wirtz.
Yann Sommer vs Manuel Neuer
STUTTGART, GERMANY – JUNE 19: Manuel Neuer of Germany reacts during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Germany and Hungary at Stuttgart Arena on June 19, 2024 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Kevin Voigt/Getty Images)
When people talk about the best goalkeepers in the world, Manuel Neuer is the name that instanty comes into everyone’s mind. The German legend is capable of making some unbelievable saves and this time around, his contribution to the German side has been brilliant. Despite his age, Neuer has already produced some massive saves for Germany in this Euro campaign and looks set to continue that in tonight’s match against Switzerland. His leadership qualities are second to none as he can guide the defence well with his experience on the pitch.
COLOGNE, GERMANY – JUNE 19: Goalkeeper Yann Sommer of Switzerland gestures during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Scotland and Switzerland at Cologne Stadium on June 19, 2024 in Cologne, Germany.(Photo by Jürgen Fromme – firo sportphoto/Getty Images)
Yann Sommer is one of the most underrated goalkeepers of this generation. The 35 year old shot stopper had a wonderful campaign for Inter keeping a record 19 clean sheets throughout the Serie A campaign and has been a crucial part of the Swiss lineup for the past decade now. His influence can certainly frustrate the opposition as he has the calibre to save the match for his side. Besides his goalkeeping attributes, his leadership abilities just like Neuer, can help the Swiss produce a brilliant defensive performance.
Honourable contenders
There are certain other contenders that would include Rudiger against Shaqiri and Toni Kroos against Freuler that could prove major point for both the teams. Above all, the stakes are high and the teams look set to compete in a classic group A clash that may as well determine the group leaders.
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