Germany guaranteed their spot in the Euro 2024 knockout stages after securing a 1-1 draw against Switzerland thanks to a spectacular injury-time goal from Niclas Fullkrug.

In the first half, Robert Andrich thought he had given Germany the lead, but his goal was disallowed due to a foul during the build-up.

Next, Dan Ndoye stunned the home crowd by scoring his first goal for his country, and Switzerland kept up their near-flawless play to confound Germany.

They believed they had won it all in the closing moments, but Ruben Vargas’ attempt was overturned for being offside. Fullkrug’s last-second header tied the match, and Murat Yakin’s team took second place in Group A with five points.

Below is a rating of both teams from the match at the Frankfurt Arena by Mail Sport.

 

Germany topped Group A at Euro 2024 after a last-gasp draw with Switzerland on Sunday

 

Niclas Fullkrug’s injury time equaliser cancelled out Dan Ndoye’s early opener for Switzerland

Switzerland (3-4-2-1)

Yann Sommer – 7

Had a shocker with Robert Andrich’s disallowed goal, but managed to recover well. Was a solid presence for Switzerland and made a good second half save from Jamal Musiala.

Fabian Schar – 7.5

A brilliant display from the Newcastle man, who wasn’t afraid to engage Germany’s attackers high, while he made several crucial interventions.

Manuel Akanji – 8

A Rolls-Royce at the back, Akanji looked at ease dealing with any problem he was posed with, including one brilliant recovery tackle on Havertz. Crucial in Switzerland’s build-up play and he also made a stunning block from a Kimmich effort late on.

 

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 to shackle Germany

Ricardo Rodriguez – 7

Like his defensive team-mates, Rodriguez made several crucial blocks and interceptions.

Silvan Widmer – 6.5

Helped to generally keep Musiala quiet, although he was booked for a cynical foul on Raum meaning he will be suspended for the last-16 stage.

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 gameplan and assisted Ndoye’s goal.

Granit Xhaka – 7.5

Xhaka excelled as he controlled the game from the base of midfield, while he was there to mop up almost anything. Nearly scored with a stunning late strike and he is so influential to this team.

Michel Aebischer – 7

It was Aebishcer’s bravery and quickness that ensured he beat Musiala to the ball and won a foul for Andirch’s disallowed goal. An important part of Switzerland’s defence.

Dan Ndoye – 7.5

Has looked like a potential breakout star of the tournament as he caused Germany’s defence all sorts of problems. Won’t forget his first international goal in a hurry.

Fabian Rieder – 6.5

Made a strong defensive contribution from midfield, while he was an important part of Switzerland’s fast counter-attacking when they got the ball.

Breel Embolo – 6

Embolo is still seeking full fitness after his long-term knee injury last season. Showed signs of being back to his best and will have a role to play in the knockout stages if Yakin’s side are to progress.

SUBSTITUTES

Zeki Amdouni (on for Ndoye 65 mins) – 6

Added energy to Switzerland’s press, but was unable to impact the game too much.

Ruben Vargas (on for Rieder 65 mins) – 6

A cool finish for his disallowed goal but should never have been offside.

Kwadwo Duah (on for Embolo 65 mins) – 6

Tried his best to offer an outlet as Germany dominated much of the ball in the latter stages.

 

Granit Xhaka excelled for Switzerland as he controlled the game from the base of midfield

 

Dan Ndoye was brilliant and the Bologna forward could be a breakout star at Euro 2024

 

Ndoye finished well from Remo Freuler’s cross to give Murat Yakin’s side a shock first half lead

Goals: Ndoye 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 left largely untroubled throughout the rest of the match, although he did make a brilliant late save from Xhaka’s effort.

Joshua Kimmich – 6

Wasn’t involved in the play as much as he would’ve liked, while he should’ve done better when given a glaring opportunity just yards out.

Antonio Rudiger – 6

Not at his best and cramped up late on. Germany will hope he’s back on form going forward.

Jonathan Tah – 5

Booked for a dangerous challenge on Embolo which rules him out of Germany’s next match, before he was hooked on the hour. A difficult day for Tah.

Maximilian Mittelstadt – 6

A key outlet for Germany on the left with Musiala tucking inside, but Mittelstadt’s final delivery was lacking.

 

Jonathan Tah endured a difficult evening and will be suspended for Germany’s last-16 clash

 

Florian Wirtz has had a brilliant tournament but was much quieter against Switzerland tonight

Toni Kroos – 6

Showed signs of his class, but the 34-year-old couldn’t quite impose himself on the game as much as in the clashes against Scotland and Hungary.

Robert Andrich –

Florian Wirtz – 6

A quiet night for the German wonderkid, Wirtz was unable to get much change out of Aebischer and will have better days ahead.

Ilkay Gundogan – 6

Not at his fluent and classy best in attacking midfield. Looked tired after his third game in just over a week.

Jamal Musiala – 6.5

Was often Germany’s brightest spark with a couple of mazy runs, but should’ve done better when he fired straight at Sommer.

Kai Havertz – 6

Missed two good headers, including one that bounced up off his shoulder, and was shackled well by Switzerland’s defenders. Fullkrug posed much more of a threat.

 

Kai Havertz struggled against Switzerland’s back three and missed two good headed chances

 

Niclas Fullkrug’s impressive last-gasp header ensured that Germany finished top of Group A

SUBSTITUTES

David Raum (on for Mittelstadt 61 mins) – 6

Added impetus from the left and put in a nice ball for Fullkrug’s equaliser.

Nico Schlotterbeck (on for Tah 61 mins)  – 6.5

Put in a better performance than Tah as he got up to speed with the tournament, with Schlotterbeck set to replace the suspended defender next time out.

Maximilian Beier (on for Andrich 65 mins) – 5

A surprise introduction ahead of other more experienced options and he struggled.

Leroy Sane (on for Musiala 76 mins) – 5

We are yet to see anywhere near the best version of Sane so far at this tournament.

Niclas Fullkrug (on for Wirtz 76 mins) – 7

A brilliant guided header to ensure Germany won the group, Fullkrug’s physical presence is unmatched in Germany’s squad.

 

Julian Nagelsmann was delighted after guiding his side through to the last-16 stage unbeaten

Goals: Fullkrug 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