Late Fullkrug Goal Seals Group A Top Position For Germany At Euro 2024

Niclas Fullkrug emerged as the hero for Germany, ensuring they topped Group A at Euro 2024 with a dramatic 1-1 draw against Switzerland on Sunday. Dan Ndoye's first international goal seemed poised to secure a memorable win for Switzerland, but Fullkrug's late header in Frankfurt changed the outcome.

Ruben Vargas almost doubled Switzerland's lead late in the game, only to be denied by an offside call. This decision proved crucial when Fullkrug headed in the equaliser in the 92nd minute. Germany's late intervention means they will face the second-placed team from Group D in the last 16, while Switzerland will meet the runners-up of Group B.

The host nation started brightly and thought they had taken an early lead when Florian Wirtz set up Robert Andrich, who squeezed his shot past Yann Sommer. However, a VAR check ruled out the goal due to a foul by Jamal Musiala on Michel Aebischer during the build-up.

Julian Nagelsmann's team found themselves trailing for the first time in the tournament just before the half-hour mark. Ndoye crashed Remo Freuler's cross past Manuel Neuer, putting Switzerland ahead. Moments later, Ndoye threatened again, racing past Antonio Rudiger and narrowly missing the far post.

Nagelsmann's half-time message was clear as Musiala aimed for his third goal in three games with a powerful shot from the edge of the box, but Sommer saved it. Toni Kroos and Kai Havertz also had opportunities but failed to find the net.

Joshua Kimmich had Germany's best chance to equalise in the 71st minute, but Manuel Akanji made an incredible block. Vargas then slotted past Neuer, but his effort was ruled offside. Havertz hit the crossbar before Fullkrug finally scored from David Raum's delivery.

Neuer's Record-Breaking Day

Manuel Neuer made history by becoming Germany's top appearance maker at major tournaments, surpassing Philipp Lahm. On his 37th start for his country, only Cristiano Ronaldo has played more games across Euros and World Cups. Neuer also holds the record for most appearances among goalkeepers in European Championship history.

Despite not securing a win, Germany's long wait for a comeback victory when trailing at half-time continues. Their last such win was at Euro 1976 against Yugoslavia. Nevertheless, Neuer and his team can celebrate topping their group after late drama in Frankfurt.

Ndoye Shines for Switzerland

Xherdan Shaqiri had been Switzerland's standout player in their previous match against Scotland, but with him on the bench on Sunday, Ndoye stepped up. In his 14th start for Switzerland, Ndoye scored his first international goal and became their second-youngest goalscorer at the Euros.

Despite being substituted in the 65th minute, Ndoye had two of Switzerland's three shots and created an expected goals tally of 0.52. Although Switzerland conceded late, they remain unbeaten in their last four meetings with Germany—a positive sign as they head into the last 16.