In a desperate attempt to avoid their first defeat at the European Championship, Germany’s players all leapt for the ball in a frantic late push for a goal against the formidable Switzerland team.
Defender Nico Schlotterbeck and the imposing center-back Antonio Rüdiger both soared into the air, with Rüdiger reaching the highest. Positioned in front of them was substitute Niclas Füllkrug.
Surrounded by three Swiss opponents, determined to preserve their 1-0 lead, the German trio fought for dominance in the air. Six pairs of feet were suspended off the ground, each striving to be the one to make contact with the ball.
Ultimately, it was Füllkrug who emerged victorious, as he expertly directed a cross from another substitute, David Raum, back across Switzerland’s goalkeeper, Yann Sommer, and into the top corner of the net. With this crucial goal, the match concluded in a 1-1 draw.
Germany coach Julian Nagelesmann expressed the team’s willingness to take risks by sending defenders forward in the match. He acknowledged the potential danger of conceding a second goal but emphasized the importance of daring to take risks in order to achieve success. Despite already securing a spot in the round of 16, a draw in this match felt like a victory for Germany, maintaining their positive momentum from previous impressive wins against Scotland and Hungary.