Germany on Sunday survived a scare to finish top of Group A at UEFA Euro 2024 as Niclas Fuellkrug’s stoppage-time goal rescued a 1-1 draw against Switzerland, while Hungary’s Barnabas Varga suffered a sickening injury in a 1-0 win that eliminated Scotland.
Dan Ndoye’s first-half goal in Frankfurt had put Switzerland on course to climb above hosts Germany into top spot, but Fuellkrug’s late header ensured Julian Nagelsmann’s side advanced to the round-of-16 in pole position with seven points.
“In the end it’s a well-deserved point. We did well to come back. We deserved it,” Nagelsmann said. “Niclas is important for us. It’s important to have players who can score decisive goals coming on as substitutes.”
Photo: Reuters
In Stuttgart, Varga was described as being in a “stable” condition after a second-half collision halted play for eight minutes while the stricken striker was treated by medics.
The 29-year-old was surrounded by worried teammates as red sheets were used to shield him as he lay on the pitch.
The scene immediately drew comparisons with Christian Eriksen’s collapse after suffering a cardiac arrest during Denmark’s Euro 2020 match against Finland.
Varga was stretchered off and taken to hospital where he was conscious, but diagnosed with what was believed to be a fractured cheekbone.
Hungary winger Roland Sallai described the incident as a “terrible moment.”
Germany, who last won the Euros in 1996, are to take on the Group C runners-up — currently Denmark — in the round-of-16.
Denmark, two points behind leaders England, play Serbia in their final group game at 3am tomorrow morning Taiwan time.
Germany are also on track for a potential quarter-final clash with Spain, who have been among the best teams at the tournament so far.
Switzerland have now made the knockout stage in six successive major tournaments.
As Group A runners-up with five points, they are to face the second-placed team in Group B.
“We fought, but against such opponents it’s difficult. We did a great job. It was a huge challenge,” Switzerland coach Murat Yakin said.
Already through to the round-of-16 after beating Scotland and Hungary, Germany fell behind in the 28th minute.
Ndoye met Remo Freuler’s cross with a close-range volley that flashed past Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
Ndoye’s first international goal was made in Bologna as both he and Freuler played for the Serie A club last season.
Adding to Germany’s problems, Jonathan Tah was booked, earning the centerback a ban for the first knockout game.
Germany dominated possession, but Ilkay Gundogan scuffed wide with the goal at his mercy after Yann Sommer parried Jamal Musiala’s strike into the midfielder’s path.
Their pressure was finally rewarded in stoppage-time when Fuellkrug rose highest to power his header into the top corner.
In Stuttgart, Scotland were unable to secure the victory that would likely have taken them into the knockout stage of a major tournament for the first time.
In 11 previous appearances at major competitions — eight World Cups and three Euros — Scotland had bowed out at the group stage.
Once again, they fly home early after taking just one point from their three matches.
Steve Clarke’s team, who lost to Germany and drew with Switzerland in their first two games, were sunk by a goal 10 minutes into stoppage-time by Kevin Csoboth.
Bemoaning a rejected penalty appeal for a challenge on Stuart Armstrong, Clarke said: “I don’t understand how VAR [the video assistant referee] can look at that and say it’s not a penalty. The overriding feeling is to be sad for everybody that we are out.”
Hungary might not secure a round-of-16 berth despite their victory as they have only three points from their three games.
The four third-placed teams with the best records from the six groups advance to the last 16.
The result was overshadowed by the Varga incident, which occurred as he chased a cross into the penalty area as Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn came to collect the ball.
Captain Dominik Szoboszlai appeared to be in tears as he consoled his teammate.
“Fortunately we can say now that Barny is not under any kind of risk,” Hungary coach Marco Rossi said. “Probably he will be operated in the coming hours because he suffered a fracture here [pointing to his cheek/eye socket].”
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