Germany Sets Sights On Top Spot In Euro 2024 Group A Against Switzerland

Julian Nagelsmann is determined to maintain Germany's perfect record as they aim to top Group A at Euro 2024. The hosts secured their place in the last 16 with a 2-0 victory over Hungary, following a 5-1 win against Scotland. Their final group match is against Switzerland, who are two points behind in second place. A defeat for Germany on Sunday would see Switzerland top the group, a scenario Nagelsmann is keen to avoid.

"Top spot is important. We want to win all our matches," Nagelsmann stated. "I do think it is important to have as many players from the starting 11 on the pitch so that we stay in the rhythm. Do not expect to have seven changes to the team. I can rule that out now."

The match will take place in Frankfurt, where England and Denmark played on Thursday, both struggling with the pitch conditions. Deniz Undav commented on the situation, saying, "There are still a few days left, so maybe the pitch will improve until then. But you have to be able to adapt to the conditions. We want to win on Sunday. So, whether we play on grass or stones, we have to win."

Switzerland's Xherdan Shaqiri acknowledges the challenge ahead. "We know we are now up against a team that is of a different calibre with their super attack and the euphoria [as hosts]," he said. "But we are going into the game with confidence and look forward to it. Obviously, we want to trouble the Germans."

Opta's supercomputer predicts Germany as favourites to win the group, with a 77% likelihood of finishing top.

Switzerland - Xherdan Shaqiri: Only Cristiano Ronaldo has scored in more major international tournaments than Shaqiri, who has netted at each of the last six such tournaments since and including the 2014 World Cup.

Germany - Jamal Musiala: Musiala aims to become the first German player to score in each of his nation's opening three games at a major tournament since Miroslav Klose at the 2002 World Cup and the first ever at the European Championship.

Match Prediction: Germany Win

This encounter marks Switzerland and Germany's first meeting at a major tournament since the 1966 World Cup, where West Germany triumphed 5-0 in the group stages. Germany have won their last three games at major international tournaments by two or more goals (4-2 v Costa Rica, 5-1 v Scotland, 2-0 v Hungary). They aim to become the third host nation to win all three of their group stage games at a single edition of the European Championship after the Netherlands in 2000 and France in 1984.

However, Switzerland are unbeaten in their last three matches against Germany (W1 D2), with those games producing an average of 5.3 goals per game. Despite losing 16 of their previous 18 matches against Germany (D2), Switzerland should not be discounted.

Opta Win Probability

The match promises an intriguing contest as both teams vie for top spot in Group A.