Füllkrug salvages draw as Germany leave it late against determined Switzerland
| Niclas Füllkrug. | Photo: The German Football Association |
It was a calm and composed start to the action from both teams with Germany narrowly shading possession of the ball. Roared on by an excited home crowd, Robin Andrich appeared to open the deadlock from range in the 17th minute. However a VAR review was brought to the attention of Italian arbiter Daniele Orsato. A clear foul by Jamal Musiala on Michel Aebischer in the build up would chalk the goal off.
Die Mannschaft struggled to compete with the Swiss press and fell behind just before the half-hour mark. Fabian Rieder slipped Remo Freuler down the left side of the penalty box. The cross was inch perfect for Dan Ndoye whose outstretched leg cushioned the ball to the top left corner of Manuel Neuer's net. Things got worse for Germany as Jonathan Tah picked up a yellow card - a booking that will ultimately rule him out of the Round of 16 tie.
Yann Sommer was alert to the dangers of Jamal Musiala after the interval. Ilkay Gündogan couldn't capitalised on the rebound. Subsequent chances fell to Toni Kroos from range and substitute David Raum but it yielded nothing. Switzerland remained defensively watertight as the game reached the hour point. Former Dortmund defender Manuel Akanji was vital in maintaining their advantage.
Maximilian Beier livened things up for Nagelsmann's side as he arrived off the bench. Further cavalry entered in the form of Niclas Füllkrug and Leroy Sané. The latter snatched at a breaking ball but in truth it never threatened Yann Sommer's net. In the 85th minute Havertz attempted header bounced off the crossbar. At the other end Neuer repelled Xhaka with a firm right hand. Just as it appeared as if they would be forced to settle for second place, parity was restored. David Raum's pin-point delivery thumped home by the head of Niclas Füllkrug.