They all leaped for the ball in a frantic late push for a goal that would save Germany from their first loss at the European Championship, against a strong Switzerland team.
Defender Nico Schlotterbeck jumped alongside center-back Antonio Rüdiger, who reached highest of all. In front of them was substitute Niclas Füllkrug.
The German trio was surrounded by three Swiss opponents defending a 1-0 lead two minutes into stoppage time. Six pairs of feet were off the ground together, each straining to head the ball.
It was Füllkrug who emerged victorious, redirecting the ball crossed by another substitute David Raum past Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer into the top corner of the net. The match ended 1-1.
“We took a big risk in this phase because we could have conceded a second goal,” said Germany coach Julian Nagelesmann about sending his defenders forward. “Those who don’t take risks, don’t get to draw.”
Germany had already secured a spot in the round of 16 before Sunday’s kickoff, but the draw felt like a victory given the circumstances and maintained their momentum after impressive wins against Scotland and Hungary.
“The way the Germans celebrated their goal says it all,” said Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka, who was named player of the match.
Switzerland impressed with their defense after Dan Ndoye’s clever volleyed shot gave them a 28th-minute lead, and they pressed for more goals. A second goal was denied by a close offside decision against Ruben Vargas and a fine save by Manuel Neuer from Xhaka’s shot.
The point earned by each team ensured Germany finished first and Switzerland second in Group A. Hungary claimed third place with an even later stoppage-time goal to defeat Scotland 1-0 in Stuttgart.
