Sudden uncertainties, but that’s enough for now. On the last day of group A, Germany drew at home against Switzerland (1-1), only obtaining the point they needed to win the group in the 92nd minute. Yakin’s team therefore closes the group in second place and will have to face the second group Italy in the round of 16 (so, at the moment, the Azzurri would be the Swiss’ next opponents). The goals of the Bolognese Ndoye were decisive (first goal for the national team), assisted by the other Bolognese Freuler, in the 28th minute, and that of the substitute Fullkrug in the 92nd minute. However, Germany showed a certain fragility and inability to create chances against opponents who defend low. This flaw had already emerged in recent tournaments, whether European or World Cup. There will be no Tah in the round of 16, who is disqualified. The Swiss will instead have to do without Widmer.
the match
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Nagelsmann, despite having qualification in his pocket, does not let the starters rest and still relies not only on the young Wirtz and Musiala, but also on the more experienced Kroos, Gundogan and Rudiger. The Germans started better and after a few seconds they already created the first opportunity with Musiala, whose illuminating pass to Gundogan was however deflected for a corner. From the corner Havertz heads the ball, calling Sommer into play. In the 17th minute Germany passed with a shot from outside by Andrich, but Orsato, recalled to the VAR, canceled it due to a previous foul by Musiala. The Swiss team’s lead, in the 28th minute, appears almost accidental: Kimmich clears badly and Freuler is lost as he serves Ndoye, who did well to anticipate Tah and thus beat Neuer. From that moment the game changes: Ndoye tries again a few minutes later with a shot from distance.
the recovery
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Switzerland lowers their center of gravity, builds density in front of their penalty area, allowing Germany to take the field, with the Germans however appearing more confused than determined and struggling to create opportunities. Musiala shoots from the edge, Sommer blocks, with Gundogan being imprecise on the rebound. Switzerland becomes particularly dangerous on the counterattack, with Embolo appearing particularly inspired. In the center Xhaka helps filter in the defensive phase, but on several occasions he also shows up in the offensive phase, like when in the 90th minute he calls on Neuer to make a great save with a nice shot from outside. A few minutes earlier, Switzerland had a goal scored by Vargas disallowed for offside. Nagelsmann puts behind many offensive players such as Raum (full-back, but pushes a lot), Sané, Beier and Fullkrug and takes it back with the substitutions: in the 92nd minute it is Raum who breaks through on the wing and puts the ball in the middle where Fullkrug, with a header, beats the innocent Sommer. It ends like this, with Germany winning the group but proving to have obvious limitations. Switzerland, Italy’s potential opponent, proves to be a difficult opponent for any team.
