New Delhi: Germany will be much more relaxed when they meet Switzerland for their UEFA Euro 2024 clash in the Deutsche Bank Park, Frankfurt (Sunday, June 23). Switzerland will be desperate to stay unbeaten in order to have a shot at the final 16.
Germany, are through to the knockout rounds and confirmed their place in Group A’s top two with their 2-0 win over Hungary in Stuttgart. Jamal Musiala and captain Ilkay Gundogan scored goals in the two halves of the game, and the Euro 2024 hosts successfully followed up an opening-night mauling of Scotland to become the first team to qualify for the last 16.
German head coach Julian Nagelsmann can now rotate his talented 26-man squad for this game and rest key players for the knockouts. Germany are now on a six-match unbeaten streak, five of which have ended in victory. This is a feat in itself. Die Mannschaft would hope to extend this record and win all three of their Group games.
Musiala and Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz have been extraordinary for the team. They have played well with the experience of the likes of Toni Kroos. Germany will be proud of the tough football they have played this summer.
Switzerland’s path to the knockout stages of Euro 2024 is within reach. A simple avoidance of defeat in this match would secure their progress. If, however, they lose in Frankfurt, Scotland losing to Hungary will also help them to the next stage.
If Switzerland loses and Scotland wins, goal difference may favour Scotland. An upset over Germany will still see the hosts claim first place in Group A.
Switzerland’s strength in the tournament is due to its resilience and adaptability. In their opening game, they defeated Hungary 3-1 and drew 1-1 with Scotland, with Xherdan Shaqiri’s superb equaliser standing out as the only top moment for the team in an otherwise ordinary performance.
Switzerland, though, have lost just one of their last 12 games at the European Championship, which came against Italy in the previous edition, but since Euro 2016, have played more draws than any other nation. The Swiss have not lost their final group game in any of their last eight tournament appearances. Murat Yakin’s men will appear in the last 16 if they maintain this record.
Team News
Germany are unlikely to make many changes to the side that has produced such good results this weekend. Nagelsmann will hope not to break the rhythm as the knockout rounds approach. The 36-year-old hasn’t changed his starting lineup at Euro 2024 and has claimed to be unconcerned about losing players to suspension.
Centre-back pairing Jonathan Tah and Antonio Rudiger are both on a booking, along with Stuttgart left-back Maximilian Mittelstadt and midfield enforcer Robert Andrich. Their bookings could influence the team’s defensive strategy and the players’ individual approach to the game.
Captain Ilkay Gundogan, Jamal Musiala, and Florian Wirtz are expected to support Kai Havertz up front. If Musiala scores in this game, he will become the first German 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 to do so at the European Championship.
In midfield, Kroos has recorded 100 or more passes in eight of his last 12 Euros appearances, and he will be an important player as the German team advances to the knockout stages.
Switzerland will also keep a side similar to the one that played against Scotland. However, Breel Embolo is close to full fitness after his long injury layoff. If selected, he could bring a new dynamic to the team’s attack and potentially change their approach to the game.
Xherdan Shaqiri will hope to retain his place after being promoted from the bench and then spectacularly scored at a sixth major final. Current captain Granit Xhaka is the only player who has played more games for the Nati.
Despite a nose injury, Yakin may choose Fabian Schar for a more cautious approach against such strong opponents. This could involve strategic substitutions, or team formation changes to adapt to the players’ conditions and bookings.
Experienced midfielder Denis Zakaria , who has been struggling with a thigh injury, is expected to rejoin the Swiss squad and could be named as a substitute. Vincent Sierro, Ricardo Rodriguez, Silvan Widmer and Remo Freuler are all on one booking, so another yellow card would see them miss a potential last 16 game.
Head to Head
Germany have won 35 games and lost only nine times to Switzerland. They have played eight draw games. However, Switzerland’s recent record against Germany is a testament to their potential in Euro 2024. They have remained unbeaten in the last three encounters. Germany, though, will look to maintain rhythm rather than a desperate win for a knockout berth.
Predicted lineup
Switzerland: Sommer; Schar, Akanji, Rodriguez; Widmer, Xhaka, Freuler, Aebischer; Shaqiri, Vargas; Ndoye
Germany: Neuer; Kimmich, Tah, Rudiger, Mittelstadt; Andrich, Kroos; Musiala, Gundogan, Wirtz; Havertz
When, where and how to watch the Switzerland vs Germany match in India?
The Switzerland vs Germany UEFA Euro 2024 match will be telecast live on Sony Sports Network in India. Live streaming of Euro 2024 will be available on SonyLIV app and website. The action begins at 12:30 am IST tonight
Switzerland will play the game to confirm their place in the final 16 whilst Germany will take the field as a much relaxed side after qualifying for the knockouts first in UEFA Euro 2024. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
