Switzerland face Germany in the final match of Group D as they search for at least a draw to make sure of qualification for the knockout rounds.
Following their stalemate with Scotland on Wednesday in Cologne, victory could see the Swiss top the group; however, defeat could mean curtains for Murat Yakin‘s side depending on how the Tartan Army get on against Hungary.
Yakin’s team got off to a brilliant start when they comfortably beat the Magyars 3-1 last Saturday.
Despite this, the Swiss took on a spirited Scotland on Wednesday evening, who were keen to right the wrongs of their heavy opening defeat to Die Mannschaft.
Scott McTominay put the Scots ahead before Xherdan Shaqiri’s spectacular effort cancelled out their lead. The goal made Shaqiri the only player to score at the last three major tournaments.
Switzerland have enjoyed successful Euros campaigns in recent years, making it to the round of 16 and quarterfinals in 2016 and 2020, respectively.
The Swiss Nati are under no illusion of the magnitude of the task that lies ahead on Sunday.
“We know we are now up against a team that is of a different calibre with their super attack and the euphoria (as hosts),” said Switzerland forward Xherdan Shaqiri.
“But we are going into the game with confidence and look forward to it. Obviously, we want to bother the Germans. That’s clear,” he added.
On the other hand, having secured passage to the knockout rounds, the hosts understand that at least a draw would not only confirm top spot in Group D, but a much easier opponent in the last 16 against the second-placed team in Group C.
England currently top that group on four points, while Denmark and Slovenia are both on two, and Serbia has just one point.
Germany are enjoying their best start to a tournament in more than a decade, which includes their 2014 World Cup triumph.
Die Mannschaft inflicted on Scotland their heaviest defeat in European Championship history following brilliant performances from their front four, particularly 21-year-old Bayern Munich midfielder Jamal Musiala.
Hungary posed a different kind of test for DFB on Wednesday, but arguably a more rewarding one.
It prompted Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann to recognise the growing maturity of this new-look German side and how they have reignited the passion for international football in Deutschland.
After two group-stage exits in the last three tournaments, it seems as though Germany’s fortunes are changing.
The growing strength of DFB will likely be too much for Switzerland, and with limited changes expected, the hosts are favourites.
Switzerland
Switzerland boss Murat Yakin has been very careful in managing the return of the injured Breel Embolo. The AS Monaco striker has made a fantastic impact off the bench in recent games after his long layoff.
This means he could be in line for his first start of the tournament on Sunday, ahead of a potentially important role in the knockouts.
Winger Steven Zuber will likely remain absent owing to a persistent calf problem, which has kept him out of the first two group matches at Euro 2024.
Even though Fabian Schar suffered a broken nose in the Scotland match, he played on for the remaining 70 minutes and is expected to be fine.
Germany
According to BILD, despite four players having yellow cards and one card away from suspension (Jonathan Tah, Maximilian Mittelstadt, Antonio Rudiger, and Robert Andrich), Nagelsmann is leaning towards not making any changes against Switzerland.
The general consensus is that it will be the same starting lineup that played the first two games.
The 36-year-old is determined to win the group and wants the starting eleven to continue to gain confidence and be prepared for difficult moments in the knockout rounds.
Following the 2-0 victory over Hungary, the former Bayern Munich manager said: “I do think it is important to have as many players from the starting 11 on the pitch so that we stay in the rhythm,” he said.
“Do not expect to have seven changes to the team. I can rule that out now.”
If he were to make changes, Emre Can would likely come in for Andrich in the midfield, Leroy Sane would replace Florian Wirtz, and Niclas Fullkrug could lead the line ahead of Kai Havertz. This would require a change of formation from Nagelsmann.
Switzerland
Sommer; Schar, Akanji, Rodriguez; Widmer, Freuler, Xhaka, Aebischer; Shaqiri; Vargas, Embolo
Germany
Neuer; Kimmich, Rudiger, Tah, Mittelstadt; Kroos, Andrich; Wirtz, Gundogan, Musiala; Havertz
Switzerland – Breel Embolo
It is touch and go as to whether Breel Embolo will make his first start for Switzerland at Euro 2024; however, it is only a matter of time.
So far, the AS Monaco striker has been limited to cameos from the bench, but Yakin’s intent to get Embolo on the pitch despite his injury troubles demonstrates his value to the Swiss.
Even though the 27-year-old was only on the field for 16 minutes against Hungary, he managed to get himself on the scoresheet.
Also, in the Scotland fixture, Nati found themselves on the back foot and in desperate need of a goal to break the deadlock.
Yakin turned to Embolo, who had the ball in the back of the net within minutes of coming on but was ruled offside. In a much shorter space of time, he carried the attacking threat that the Swiss lacked in the second half.
With 14 goals and the same number of assists, Switzerland pose a greater threat when he is in the team.
In the last two tournaments he led the line, the Swiss achieved a round of 16 and a quarterfinal finish, respectively.
Germany – Jamal Musiala
Jamal Musiala has been without a doubt Germany’s player of the tournament so far.
Dazzling the crowd with his wonderful footwork, the 21-year-old terrorised the Scottish backline last Friday, even getting himself on the scoresheet.
It was a similar story in the Hungary fixture on Wednesday, combining well with Ilkay Gundogan to smash home and open the scoring to register his second goal at Euro 2024.
While DFB’s other two No.10’s, Gundogan and Florian Wirtz, also deserve credit, the Bayern Munich talisman has stood out in a very good Die Mannschaft.
He thrives with the ball at his feet and has the confidence to drive at his opponents, manoeuvring his way in and out of them as if they were not there.
The midfielder is vital to the way Nagelsmann wants the hosts to attack, and when their narrow combinations in the final third have not necessarily worked in breaking down low-block defences, Musiala has taken it upon himself to break the line.
Where is the game being played?
The match will take place at the Waldstadion, Frankfurt.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off will be at 20:00 BST on Sunday 23 June 2024.
How can I watch?
For viewers in the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast on BBC Two, with coverage starting at 19:30 BST.