In a dramatic turn of events at Euro 2024, Germany narrowly avoided an upset, securing the top spot in Group A with a last-minute equalizer by Niclas Fuellkrug against Switzerland, resulting in a 1-1 draw.
Meanwhile, Scotland’s hopes were dashed following a heart-wrenching 1-0 loss to Hungary, marred by the distressing injury of Hungarian forward Barnabas Varga.
Switzerland was on the verge of overtaking Germany in the rankings after Dan Ndoye’s goal in the first half, but Fuellkrug’s decisive late-game header guaranteed Julian Nagelsmann’s team a leading position with seven points, advancing them to the knockout stage.
The German squad, seeking their first Euro victory since 1996, is set to face the Group C runners-up, with Denmark as the likely opponent.
Denmark trails England by two points and will confront Serbia in their concluding group match.
Germany’s journey could lead to a quarter-final showdown with Spain, one of the standout teams of the tournament. Switzerland, having reached the quarter-finals in the previous Euros, continues their streak of making the knockout phase in six consecutive major tournaments.
Despite securing a spot in the last 16 earlier, Nagelsmann chose not to rest his key players, fielding an unchanged lineup for the third game in a row. Switzerland’s Ndoye capitalized on a cross from Remo Freuler, delivering a volley that eluded German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, marking his first international goal.
Germany’s woes were compounded when Jonathan Tah received a booking, ruling him out of the next match. Despite dominating the game, Germany struggled to find the net until Fuellkrug’s header broke through in the dying moments of the match.
Scotland’s quest for a historic advance past the group stage was thwarted in Stuttgart, where a stoppage-time goal from Hungary’s Kevin Csoboth extinguished their dreams. Scotland’s track record of group-stage exits in major tournaments extends to 12, with this latest disappointment.
Hungary’s victory, which leaves them with a slim chance of progressing, came at a high price as Varga suffered a severe injury following a collision, necessitating his immediate hospitalization.
The Hungarian Football Federation has reported that Varga’s condition is stable, and further updates will be provided.
In other Group B action, Italy is set to battle Croatia, while Spain, already through to the next round, will play Albania. Italy currently holds second place in the group, with Croatia and Albania trailing.
This Euro 2024 has been a tournament of intense competition and emotional highs and lows, with teams fighting for glory and players facing the ultimate tests of resilience and strength.
