Euro 2024: Late Fullkrug Goal Helps Germans Salvage Major Embarrassment (Image: x.com/EURO2024)
Switzerland’s Murat Yakin went to Frankfurt to face the hosts of Euro 2024 in Group A’s penultimate game with a team of 16 players who had previously played in Germany during their footballing careers. All these players, now competing in different leagues across Europe, except for seven who are currently in Germany’s top-flight Bundesliga, know the terrain and playing style of the hosts. This familiarity was an advantage for the Swiss when they met the Germans.
Until the final moments of the last group game, which also included Hungary and Scotland, the Swiss side dominated psychologically and was leading with one goal against the hosts. This scoreline frustrated the Germans, and it was visible on the face and in the antics of Julian Nagelsmann, the national coach. But suddenly, the hero for the Germans emerged in the form of Niclas Füllkrug, the 31-year-old Borussia Dortmund player. The Deutsche Bank Park stadium in Frankfurt erupted in stoppage time as Füllkrug’s header from David Raum’s assist gave them a much-needed equalizer. Raum’s long shot, delivered perfectly to the German forward, was placed in the far corner, well beyond the reach of experienced Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer, who had denied Die Mannschaft many goals in the previous 90 minutes of the game.
Germany, who had earlier defeated Hungary and Scotland in their group matches before facing Yakin’s Swiss national team, entered the game in their homeland with considerable confidence. But the Swiss had other plans. They were exceptionally organized in their defense as the Germans controlled most of the possession throughout the game. The Swiss game plan worked well as they anticipated Germany’s strategy to dominate possession, using every opportunity to launch dangerous counterattacks.
The Swiss were successful twice, managing to score once and being denied another time. Dan Ndoye’s volley in the 28th minute allowed the Swiss to maintain their lead until the final moments, while a goal by Ruben Vargas was disallowed due to an offside call. If it had stood, Vargas’ goal, resulting from a phenomenal counterattack, would have made all the difference, causing major embarrassment for the hosts.
The Swiss have proven one thing: they are the dark horses of this tournament. After two stunning wins against Hungary and Scotland, the Germans were considered the favorites of Euro 2024. But what the Rossocrociati did in Frankfurt has changed the entire narrative.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Hungary and Scotland, the two teams eliminated from the tournament after finishing third and fourth in Group A, fought hard in their match, with Hungary emerging victorious in the 100th minute.
