Early dominance from Germany almost meant nothing, as Switzerland held strong defensively for 60 minutes after taking the lead. However, as always seems to be the case, Germany had a trick under their sleeve – the introduction of Borussia Dortmund’s Niclas Füllkrug.
The Germany number nine ensured that his nation topped Group A in their home tournament, with his late header leaving Yann Sommer rooted to the floor.
Germany started the brighter of the two teams in this game, finding the net in the 17th minute through Robert Andrich. However, the Bayer Leverkusen man’s long-range effort was disallowed by the video assistant referee (VAR), with Jamal Musiala being adjudged to have committed a foul in the build-up.
This seemed to serve as a ‘wake-up call’ of sorts for Murat Yakin’s Switzerland side, and 10 minutes later, they found the net through Dan Ndoye.
This goal sent a shock through the system of the German team, with Julian Nagelsmann‘s men struggling to fashion another high-quality chance in the first half.
In the 38th minute, Jonathan Tah made what could have been a costly mistake, picking up his second yellow card of the group stage, meaning that the Bayer Leverkusen defender will miss Germany’s match in the Round of 16.
Despite having 69% of the ball at half-time, Germany were not able to break down the Swiss defensive wall.
After the break, Germany resumed control of the game, having the majority share of the possession, with Musiala and Toni Kroos seeing their efforts go just wide of Yann Sommer in the Switzerland net.
The Swiss Nati would find the net again in the 83rd minute, through Ruben Vargas, but again VAR would intervene, ruling the winger’s effort out for offside.
Going into the 90th minute, Germany’s number one – the man for big games, Manuel Neuer, proved why he is held in such high regard – making a fantastic save from a long-range curling Granit Xhaka effort.
Late into injury time, Niclas Füllkrug leapt highest of all, getting his head onto a dangerous delivery from David Raum on the left wing – rescuing a point for Germany and guaranteeing their spot on top of Group A.
This result sees both teams through in Group A, with Germany topping the group.
How is this man retiring this summer? An absolutely vintage performance from the six-time Champions League winner ensured that Germany kept control of the game for large periods.
A classy midfield showing from Germany’s number eight, completing 98/106 passes (92 per cent) as well as winning five out of six duels (83 per cent). A commanding performance in the middle of the park.
Kroos never really got out of first gear in this game, but he didn’t need to, making it look effortless as he held complete control over the tempo of the ball.
For Germany and Kroos, all eyes will be on the next game now, playing the second placed team in group C, with the aim of Kroos going out at the very top of his game as a La Liga, Champions League and Euros Champion.