Niclas Fuellkrug’s stoppage-time goal saved a 1-1 draw against Switzerland on Sunday, and Barnabas Varga of Hungary suffered a devastating injury in a 1-0 victory that eliminated Scotland, but Germany overcame scares to finish first in Group A at Euro 2024.
After Dan Ndoye’s goal in the first half, Switzerland was on track to surpass Germany, the hosts, and take the lead in Frankfurt.
However, Fuellkrug’s last-minute header made sure Julian Nagelsmann’s team advanced in first place with seven points and into the round of 16.
It’s a point that’s well-deserved in the end. It was wise of us to return. We were due,” Nagelsmann declared. “Niclas is crucial to us. It’s critical to have guys who can make game-winning substitutions.”
Meanwhile, in Stuttgart, Varga was listed as being in a “stable” condition following an eight-minute delay in play during which time the injured striker received medical attention. Red covers covered the 29-year-old, who was surrounded by anxious colleagues as he lay on the field.
It didn’t take long for the picture to evoke memories of Christian Eriksen’s collapse following his cardiac attack during Denmark’s Euro 2020 match against Finland.
Varga was removed on a stretcher and brought to the hospital, where it was determined that, although he was conscious, he had a suspected cheekbone fracture.
Roland Sallai, a winger for Hungary, called the incident a “terrible moment”.
In the round of 16, the Germans, who haven’t won the Euros since 1996, will face the winner of Group C, which is presently expected to be Denmark.
In their final group match on Tuesday, Denmark, who is two points behind leaders England, takes on Serbia.
Spain, who have been among the top teams at the tournament thus far, might face Germany in the quarterfinals.
Switzerland has already advanced to the next round of six major competitions.
In the round of 16, the Swiss, who finished second in Group A with five points, will play the second-place team in Group B.
“We battled, but it’s challenging to defeat an opponent like that. We performed admirably. “It was a tremendous challenge,” coach Murat Yakin of Switzerland remarked.
Germany lost in the 28th minute after defeating Scotland and Hungary to go to the round of 16.
Ndoye blasted past Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer with a close-range volley from Remo Freuler’s cross.
When Ndoye and Freuler were both playing for the Serie A team in Bologna last season, Ndoye scored his first goal for his country.
Jonathan Tah’s booking, which resulted in the center-back’s suspension for the opening knockout match, made matters worse for Germany.
Germany dominated possession, but Yann Sommer parried Jamal Musiala’s sharp shot into the path of Ilkay Gundogan, who scuffed wide with the goal at his mercy.
