Niclas Fullkrug’s heading heroics for Germany pose selection headache for Julian Nagelsmann

FRANKFURT – Striker Niclas Fullkrug came off the bench to grab an equaliser against Switzerland that sent Germany through to the last 16 of Euro 2024, creating a serious selection headache for coach Julian Nagelsmann in the process.

Fullkrug struck with a trademark towering header in the second minute of stoppage time at the end of the game to make it 1-1 and spare the blushes of the hosts, who enjoyed plenty of possession but struggled to get shots on target against the Swiss defence.

“It’s those moments when we really need him, and he makes the argument for both jobs, playing in the starting XI or coming off the bench, so it’s both good luck and bad luck for him that he’s so good in that role,” said Nagelsmann.

With Kai Havertz picked to play as the lone striker, Fullkrug came on to replace Jamal Musiala in the 76th minute at the Frankfurt Arena on June 23, and Nagelsmann said the burly forward would now be considered for a starting spot in the last 16.

“It was a superb goal – it wasn’t easy, that header, and now he has one more week to give it everything in training, and then we’ll see who we play in the round of 16 and prepare for that match,” the coach said.

Germany topped the group on seven points, with the Swiss second on five and Hungary third on three points, with Scotland finishing bottom of the group with a single point.

The Germans will find out their last-16 opponents on June 25 when England meet Slovenia and Denmark play Serbia to complete Group C, with the second-placed team in that group set to face the Germans in Dortmund on June 29.

“We have two more days to prepare, maybe the opponent are not that happy about that, but one of those four have to prepare for only one team. We have to prepare for four, so it’s kind of fair. May the best team win on Saturday,” Nagelsmann said.

Whoever that team turn out to be, the well-drilled Swiss have demonstrated an effective means of nullifying the host nation’s talented side.

Switzerland sat deep from the outset to frustrate Germany’s attacking players and, though Musiala showed glimpses of his ability to break the lines, the Swiss largely succeeded until Fullkrug’s 92nd-minute equaliser.

Havertz squandered a number of half-chances and defender Antonio Rudiger should have done better with a first-half header but Germany, who had a goal disallowed at 0-0, had few clear-cut opportunities until late on.

Germany dominated possession with 67 per cent of the ball, completed around double the number of passes Switzerland managed and had 18 shots on goal – though only three of those were on target.

The Swiss, meanwhile, were clinical – Dan Ndoye’s acrobatic volley put away either side’s best chance in the first half, and he nearly doubled the lead immediately afterwards, outmuscling Rudiger but shooting just wide.

Switzerland could have sealed top spot themselves late on as Ruben Vargas had the ball in the net in the 84th minute but had strayed offside before captain Granit Xhaka drew a full-length dive from Manuel Neuer to keep it at 1-0. Then Fullkrug intervened.

Said Switzerland coach Murat Yakin: “It was a tactical game, you could see how much we ran and how much we fought. We could annoy the opponents with our counters.

“I’m really happy with the style and manner in which we played. I feel sorry for the team, but the performance was immense and we can live with the draw.”

Player of the Match Xhaka referred to the hosts’ reaction, saying: “Cheers from the Germans after the 1-1 actually says it all.”

The Swiss are now likely to meet either holders Italy or 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia. REUTERS, AFP