PLAYER RATINGS: Which Premier League star shone in Germany’s clash against Switzerland? Which defender looked shaky? And who could prove to be the breakout star of Euro 2024?
Germany ensured they would progress to the knockout stages of Euro 2024 as group winners after a dramatic injury-time goal from Niclas Fullkrug secured a 1-1 draw against Switzerland.
Robert Andrich thought he had given Germany the lead in the first half, before his goal was disallowed due to a foul in the build-up.
Dan Ndoye then shocked the hosts when he scored his first international goal as Switzerland continued to frustrate Germany with a near-perfect performance.
They thought they had secured victory late on but Ruben Vargas had an effort ruled out for offside before Fullkrug’s last gasp leveled the clash, with Murat Yakin’s side finishing second in Group A with five points.
Below, Mail Sport has reviewed both sets of players from the match at the Frankfurt Arena.
Germany topped Group A at the 2024 European Championship after a final draw against Switzerland on Sunday
Niclas Fullkrug’s stoppage-time equalizer canceled out Dan Ndoye’s early opener for Switzerland
Switzerland (3-4-2-1)
Yann Sommer-7
A bit shocked by Robert Andrich’s disallowed goal, but managed to recover well. Was a solid presence for Switzerland and made a good save in the second half from Jamal Musiala.
Fabian Schar – 7.5
A brilliant performance from the Newcastle man, who was unafraid to attack the German attackers high as he made several crucial interventions.
Manuel Akanji-8
Akanji, a Rolls-Royce in the back, looked at ease in dealing with every problem he faced, including a brilliant recovery tackle on Havertz. Crucial in Switzerland’s build-up, he also later made a stunning block after Kimmich’s attempt.
Man City defender Manuel Akanji was an absolute Rolls-Royce at the back for Switzerland
One of his defensive partners, Fabian Schar, also impressed and helped Germany up the chain
Ricardo Rodriguez-7
Like his defensive teammates, Rodriguez made several crucial blocks and interceptions.
Silvan Widmer-6.5
Helped keep Musiala quiet overall, although he was booked for a cynical foul on Raum, meaning he will be suspended for the last 16 leg.
Remo Freuler-7.5
Freuler was everywhere for Switzerland after being deployed in a slightly higher role than Xhaka. The midfielder was crucial in helping Murat Yakin’s side impose their game plan and assisted on Ndoye’s goal.
Granit Xhaka – 7.5
Xhaka excelled because he controlled the game from the base in midfield, while he was there to clean up almost everything. Almost scored with a stunning late strike and he is so influential for this team.
Michel Aebischer – 7
It was Aebishcer’s courage and speed that saw him beat Musiala with the ball and draw a foul for Andirch’s disallowed goal. An important part of the Swiss defense.
Dan Ndoye – 7.5
He looked like a potential breakout star of the tournament as he caused all kinds of problems for the German defense. Won’t soon forget his first international goal.
Fabian Rieder-6.5
Made a strong defensive contribution from midfield while being a key part of Switzerland’s quick counter-attack when they got the ball.
Breel Embolo-6
Embolo is still aiming for full fitness after his long-term knee injury last season. Showed signs of being back to his best and will play a role in the knockout stages if Yakin’s side are to progress.
REPLACEMENTS
Zeki Amdouni (on for Ndoye 65 minutes) – 6
Added energy to the Swiss press, but couldn’t influence the match too much.
Ruben Vargas (on for Rieder 65 minutes) – 6
A cool finish for his disallowed goal, but it should never have been offside.
Kwadwo Duah (on for Embolo 65 minutes) – 6
Did his best to provide an outlet as Germany dominated much of the ball in the final stages.
Granit Xhaka excelled for Switzerland as he controlled the game from the base in midfield
Dan Ndoye was brilliant and the Bologna striker could be a breakout star at Euro 2024
Ndoye finished well from a Remo Freuler cross to give Murat Yakin’s side a shock lead in the first half
Goals: Ndoje 28
Bookings: Ndoye, Xhaka, Widmer
Manager: Murat Yakin
Subs not used: Kobel, Mvogo, Elvedi, Jashari, Okafor, Shaqiri, Steffen, Sieroo, Stergiou, Zakaria, Zesiger, Zuber
Germany (4-2-3-1)
Manuel Neuer-6
Couldn’t do anything with Ndoye’s goal and was largely untroubled for the rest of the match, although he did make a brilliant late save from Xhaka’s effort.
Joshua Kimmich-6
Wasn’t as involved in the game as he would have liked, when he should have done better when he had a brilliant opportunity just yards out.
Antonio Rudiger-6
Not at its best and cramped late in the day. Germany will hope he returns to form in the future.
Jonathan Tah-5
Booked for a dangerous challenge on Embolo, ruling him out of Germany’s next match, before being hooked on the hour. A difficult day for Tah.
Maximilian Mittelstadt – 6
An important outlet for Germany on the left, with Musiala inside, but Mittelstadt’s final performance did not materialize.
Jonathan Tah has had a difficult evening and will be suspended for Germany’s last 16
Florian Wirtz has had a brilliant tournament, but was much calmer against Switzerland tonight
Toni Kroos-6
Showed signs of his class, but the 34-year-old was unable to impose himself in the game as well as he did in the games against Scotland and Hungary.
Robert Andrich-6
Was a busy presence in midfield and scored well for his disallowed goal, but Andrich could not help his side break down Switzerland before being substituted.
Florian Wirtz-6
A quiet night for the German prodigy. Wirtz couldn’t get much change out of Aebischer and will see better days ahead.
Ilkay Gundogan-6
Not at his fluid and stylish best in attacking midfield. He looked tired after his third match in just over a week.
Jamal Musiala – 6.5
Was often Germany’s brightest spark with some dazzling runs, but should have done better when shooting straight at Sommer.
Kai Havertz-6
Missed two good headers, including one that bounced off his shoulder, and was well chained by the Swiss defenders. Fullkrug posed a much bigger threat.
Kai Havertz struggled against Switzerland’s back three and missed two good headed chances
Niclas Fullkrug’s impressive header ensured Germany finished top of Group A
REPLACEMENTS
David Raum (on for Mittelstadt 61 minutes) – 6
An impulse from the left and a nice ball for Fullkrug’s equalizer.
Nico Schlotterbeck (on for Tah 61 minutes) – 6.5
He performed better than Tah upon entering the tournament, with Schlotterbeck set to replace the suspended defender next time out.
Maximilian Beier (on for Andrich 65 minutes) – 5
A surprise introduction ahead of other, more experienced options, and he struggled.
Leroy Sane (on for Musiala 76 minutes) – 5
We’re nowhere near the best version of Sane yet at this tournament.
Niclas Fullkrug (on for Wirtz 76 minutes) – 7
A brilliant headed header saw Germany win the group, Fullkrug’s physical presence unparalleled in the German squad.
Julian Nagelsmann was delighted after leading his side into the last 16 stage undefeated
Goals: Volkrug 90+2
Bookings: Tah
Manager: Julian Nagelsmann
Subs not used: Baumann, ter Stegen Anton, Can, Fuhrich, Gross, Henrichs, Koch, Mulle, Undav
Ref: Daniele Orsato (ITA) 6