GERMANY can become the first team to seal a perfect group-stage campaign at Euro 2024 with a win over Switzerland.
Julian Nagelsmann‘s men come into this weekend’s clash knowing a point will see them top Group A.
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But they face a Switzerland side who could leapfrog them to first place with a win in Frankfurt.
And the result will have huge consequences for who both sides could play in the knockout stages.
The group winners will play the runners-up from England‘s group.
But second place in Group A will face the runners-up from Group B – which could be Italy, Albania or Croatia.
The Swiss also still face the possibility of dropping down to third.
That will happen if they lose to Germany, Scotland beat Hungary, and there is a six-goal swing between the two matches.
If that does happen then they could play Spain or Portugal in the second round.
Here is everything you need to know ahead of the game.
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Switzerland Euro 2024 guide
IN RECENT years, the Swiss national team have been as reliable as one of their watches.
They’ll always be at tournaments and always go out in the last 16 – with the exception of Euro 2020 when they stunned France to win on penalties and reach the quarter-finals.
MANAGER: Murat Yakin
Former Basel coach who had a brush with Jose Mourinho in 2013, beating Chelsea in the Champions League.
STAR MAN: Granit Xhaka
The Swiss captain makes everything tick and is coming off the best season of his career, winning the double at Bayer Leverkusen.
How Switzerland attack
Switzerland are comfortable playing out from the back and can launch quick attacking moves with a pass from defence.
They will then quickly get the ball wide or to the strikers’ feet before pushing multiple players forward to occupy space.
How Switzerland defend
Switzerland are versatile in the way they defend and comfortable hanging back in a low block.
But at times they will completely change their approach to press high and catch the opposition off-guard.
Read the full Switzerland Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags
Germany Euro 2024 guide
GERMANY’S reputation as tournament football’s greatest nation has taken a battering in recent years.
The hosts haven’t won a knockout game in eight years and the pressure is on for them to get it right in front of their home crowd.
MANAGER: Julian Nagelsmann
Bright, young and a bit of a maverick. The ex-Bayern Munich boss is known for his flashy outfits and arriving for training on a skateboard.
STAR MAN: Jamal Musiala
The 21-year-old former Chelsea star could have been playing for England and can make things happen out of nothing.
How Germany attack
Toni Kroos will typically drop deep to take the ball off the defence with the Germans then overloading the side of the pitch the ball is on.
That gives them the option of either passing through the congested area or attacking the other side with a crossfield ball to the man in space.
How Germany defend
Germany’s striker and the team’s five midfielders will form a diamond shape in the hope of preventing the opposition playing through the middle.
Should opponents then play the ball wide, the German full-backs will be expected to press high up the pitch in an attempt to win possession.
Read the full Germany Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags
What does their form look like?
Both teams come into this match with their tails up after impressive results in their opening two group stage games.
Germany opened up their home tournament with a 5-1 thrashing of Scotland.
They then followed that up with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Hungary that showed more of a steeliness to their play.
Switzerland began their Euros with an accomplished 3-1 victory against Hungary.
Then last time out they fought back from a goal down to draw 1-1 with Scotland.
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What is the team news and any injuries to worry about?
Breel Embolo could be set to start his first game of the tournament after substitute appearances in their previous two matches.
The Swiss striker has been struggling with fitness issues but could be ready for this one.
Fabian Schar broke his nose against Scotland but is still understood to be available.
Nagelsmann took Jamal Musiala and Robert Andrich off during the win over Hungary as they are one booking away from a suspension.
Andrich may be rested, but expected Musiala to still start as Germany will see their talisman as irreplaceable as they look to seal top spot in the group.
Who will be the star men?
Jama Musiala
There is a risk playing Musiala in this game as a yellow card would see him suspended for their last-16 tie.
But the importance of the Bayern Munich playmaker has been there for all to see in their opening two matches.
He has scored twice and been at the centre of everything positive in the final third for Germany. Expect the same against Switzerland.
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Granit Xhaka
Xhaka produced one of the performances of the tournament in Switzerland’s opener against Hungary.
The Bayer Leverkusen man, who also impressed against Scotland, dictates the tempo of his side with the class and assurance you expect from a captain.
If the Swiss are to get a handle on Musiala and Florian Wirtz, Xhaka will have a big part to play in them doing so.
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What have the managers said?
Switzerland boss Yakin has remained cautious about reaching the knockout stages despite four points from his side’s opening two games.
He said: “We’ve still got one game to go. It’s still very open. We will do everything we can to make it out of the group.
“In these first two games we have shown we are ready to battle. Scotland really did cause us problems and we had to expend all of our energy.
“Scotland’s pride had been hurt and they needed to bounce back. We could have won the match but they also created opportunities.”
Nagelsmann hinted at making alterations for the Switzerland clash following the win over Hungary.
However, he also insisted there will not be wholesale change to the team.
He said: “We want to win the group, that’s the first goal.
“We want to get more rhythm. There won’t be seven changes, I can rule that out.”
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SunSport prediction
Switzerland 1-2 Germany
When is Switzerland vs Germany?
- Germany’s final group stage clash against Switzerland will take place on Sunday, January 23.
- The game will kick off at 8pm BST.
- Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, Germany, will play host to the big game.
What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
- Switzerland vs Germany will be shown live on BBC Two in the UK.
- You can live stream the action from the BBC iPlayer, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
Can I watch for FREE?
- Yes, you can watch the game for FREE on BBC Two, so long as you have a valid TV licence.
Read more on the Irish Sun
Odds
- Switzerland – 4/1
- Draw – 29/10
- Germany – 4/6
*Odds courtesy of William Hill and correct at time of publication.
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