SPOTLIGHTS
- Germany has already secured a spot in the Round of 16
- Switzerland needs at least a draw to guarantee qualification
- Both teams are aiming for a victory to boost confidence
By Seyi Babalola
Germany became the first team to reach the round of 16 by defeating Hungary after overcoming Scotland on the first day.
Julian Nagelsmann’s team, led by the brilliance of Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala, and Toni Kroos, has played some electrifying football in their first two games. They are unlikely to let up in Frankfurt as they seek to finish the EURO group stage with maximum points for the first time since 2012 and secure a potentially easier opponent in the last 16.
The team’s two initial victories are even more impressive than their performance at the 2014 World Cup, when they last won a major international trophy.
Germany needs at least a draw against Switzerland, which has yet to clinch its place in the next round, to avoid finishing second in the group and facing the second-placed team from Group B.
This scenario might lead to a difficult round of 16 encounter against a team from a group that includes Italy, Spain, Croatia, and Albania.
Read also: Turkey vs Portugal: Ronaldo sets new record at Euro 2024
Switzerland is well-positioned to reach the EURO knockout stage for the third time in a row after defeating Hungary and drawing with Scotland.
Few teams would relish playing the tournament hosts in their current form, but the Swiss have gone undefeated in their past three games against their central European rivals, scoring nine goals in the process.
They have also lost only one of their past 12 EURO matches, winning four and drawing seven.
If they avoid defeat in Frankfurt, they will secure a spot in the last 16.
Speaking ahead of the match, Switzerland coach Murat Yakin said: “We got positive results in the first two games, and here we are now, in a good situation. We don’t have to win tomorrow. We want to show our qualities and give Germany a tough time.
“First and foremost, we want to produce a good performance. It’s a prestigious game, and we want to do well.”
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said: “At the moment, there are no plans to change the team. Switzerland are probably the best opponent we have in this group in terms of individual quality.
“This is about winning the game, gaining more confidence, and it doesn’t matter who the next opponent is [in the knockout stages].”
The match will be broadcast on GOtv and DStv—on GOtv channel 61 and DStv channels 222 and 225, respectively—at 8 p.m.
Possible line-ups
Switzerland: Sommer; Schär, Akanji, Rodríguez; Widmer, Xhaka, Freuler, Aebischer; Ndoye, Embolo, Vargas
Germany: Neuer; Kimmich, Rüdiger, Tah, Mittelstädt; Andrich, Kroos; Musiala, Gündoğan, Wirtz; Havertz
