Germany and Switzerland could not be separated in a fixture showcasing each side’s credentials to go far in Euro 2024.
Switzerland was once again very impressive against one of the favourites in the competition. Yet Germany showed their quality off the bench as their cult hero Niclas Fullkrug showed the importance of having a traditional number nine in the squad.
The hosts went with a surprisingly strong line-up having already secured qualification to the last 16. Switzerland knew at least a draw secured their place in the knockout stages.
Yet the Swiss played with an attacking swagger that put Germany on the back foot for long spells in the contest. An excellent near-post finish by Dan Ndoye put Switzerland on route to finish top of the group.
Germany did create numerous chances in the second half and finally got their reward in injury time with Fullkrug’s perfectly placed header. Both teams will take positives going into the next round of the Euros and will fancy their chances of progressing into the latter stages.
-
Fullkrug claims the starting spot
2024 has been the year for Niclas Fullkrug who has enjoyed a starring role for club and country. The 31-year-old scored crucial goals in the quarter and semi-finals of the Champions League for Borussia Dortmund.
Fullkrug has taken the international stage by storm with an excellently taken goal on opening night against Scotland. Then to score the goal that meant Germany finished top of the group and completed a fruitful group stage for Fullkrug.
This has been at the expense of Kai Havertz who has shown flashes of quality but doesn’t look like a natural goal scorer. On the other hand, Fullkrug is an old-fashioned number nine with the size and presence to cause problems in the penalty area.
The question will be which one starts in the last 16?
Havertz will most likely get the nod due to starting all the group games, however, Fullkrug looks more confident in the penalty area. It is a big decision for Germany’s head coach but Fullkrug has shown his worth with his Euro 2024 performances.
-
Switzerland’s spine is their key
There was a lot of optimism for Hungary to progress as the dark horse out of Group A. This never materialised as Switzerland were the surprise package no one saw coming.
The Swiss had a lot of recognisable names but it seemed their golden age opportunity had passed them by. However, their key experienced players have reached their prime together and moulded into a well-organised unit.
The consistent performances come from an outstanding spine that has raised Switzerland’s game. Yann Sommer in goal has been an excellent shot-stopper over the years and has been as commanding so far in Euro 2024.
The leadership of the centre backs Fabian Schar and Manuel Akanji from their club experiences has helped maintain a solid backline. Granit Xhaka has carried his Bayern Leverkusen form for his country and provided a string of captain performances.
Switzerland forwards look lively with the ever-present Breel Embolo looking a handful alongside the emerging talents of Kwadwo Duah and Dan Ndoye. There is the experience of Xherdan Sharqiri who showed his quality with an outstanding finish in matchday two.
All areas of Switzerland’s clockwork machine impressed against Germany and showed they could compete with the best teams. The spine of their team will be fundamental for them to reach the quarter-finals or beyond.
-
Should Germany have rested their key players?
Eyebrows were raised when Germany didn’t change their starting line-up. Julian Nagelsmann’s side had already secured qualification to the next stages of the competition.
Therefore not making one change was eye-catching but the German coach may have wanted to carry on his side’s momentum. The decision backfired as Germany looked sluggish in and out of possession.
There was control in their opening two games against Scotland and Hungary but Switzerland caused the hosts many problems. Germany’s midfield did struggle against the pace and directness of the Swiss forward line.
This will raise questions why their key stalwarts such as 29-year-old Joshua Kimmich, 34-year-old Toni Kroos and 33-year-old Ilkay Gundogan were not rested.
Nagelsmann will be hoping an inevitable off-performance was in their most meaningless game and his key men have shaken any compliancy they may have carried. Yet if Germany looks leggy in their knockout the German head coach will have questions to answer.
-
Dan Ndoye will be a threat in the knockout stages
Switzerland’s established Switzerland attackers such as Shaqiri and Embolo were expected to carry the pressure of providing goals for their nation. However, Ndoye has looked for a livewire in all of Switzerland’s games at Euro 2024.
The 23-year-old has used his speed to get in behind opposition defences. There was a moment when Ndoye was a good 10 yards behind Antonio Rudiger and still beat him to the ball before putting his effort just wide of Manuel Neuer’s goalpost.
Ndoye showed brilliant composure to divert the pace from Fabian Rieder’s cross and place his finish in Neuer’s near post. Switzerland will most likely come up against a side that will leave space that Ndoye can take advantage of.
The Bologna forward has had a breakout tournament which will launch a lot of interest from the bigger sides in Serie A and abroad. Switzerland will rely on Ndoye’s impact carrying on into the last 16.