Frankfurt – Dortmund or Berlin? Win streak or mini setback? What path, geographically and psychologically, would the German national team take in the coming days and possibly weeks at this European Championship? The answer after Sunday evening in the Frankfurt stadium with the late equalizer to make it 1-1 by joker Niclas Füllkrug against Switzerland is: Dortmund, Saturday 9 p.m., the opponent becomes second in Group C. From England to Denmark, Slovenia and Serbia Everything is still possible, we will know more on Tuesday evening.
First it’s all cheese, then redemption: ‘That helps the team’
Scotland, Hungary, Switzerland – the class of opponents grew game after game. And that’s how it had to be DFB team increase what was initially not possible. The Swiss defended passionately, countered cleverly and had luck on their side in VAR decisions. It was all cheese for Nagelsmann & Co. – until Füllkrug headed in a cross from David Raum, who was also a substitute, in the second minute of injury time. First defeat averted, redeeming goal, group winner.
Suitable for midfield boss Toni Kroos: “First of all, we are happy that we made it. We have shown time and time again that we can deal with a deficit and that we believe in ourselves until the end. That helps the team.”
No changes in the DFB team to “gain stability and rhythm”
The concerns in the German camp about the “very greasy and soft grass” (original sound from Nagelsmann on Saturday) confirmed themselves. The grass field “looks nicer from the outside than it is, it has not grown,” the national coach said after his own assessment shortly before kick-off, explaining: “You have no grip on the field. With heavy players it is the same If you drive with summer tires in winter, that is not very good for accident prevention.”
The Elferbob Germany I started with the same crew as in the first two rounds – Sorry: playing. Nagelsmann did it Rudi Völler after. Just like his current superior as sports director last time at the 2002 World Cup in Japan & South Korea, the national coach also sent the same starting eleven into the third group match. Possible suspensions were not taken into account – central defenders Rüdiger and Tah, who had already been warned once, as well as left back Mittelstädt and Sechser Andrich had to bear their burden themselves. “We don’t have countless games under our belt with the first eleven,” Nagelsmann explains his selection, “it’s about gaining stability and rhythm.” Not in the round of 16. Jonathan Tah received an unnecessary yellow card and is suspended.
First our own goal was not recognized, then the opponent’s goal was swallowed up
The selection ‘Never change a winning team’ had a hard time, didn’t really get going. And yet the ball was suddenly in because ex-Bayern goalkeeper Yann Sommer misjudged Robert Andrich’s long shot. Sommer then sent a prayer to the VAR, who sent referee Daniele Orsato to the touchline. The Italian evaluated the previous entry of Jamal Musiala against Michel Aebischer in the Swiss penalty area as foul (17th).
The visitors’ agile and aggressive attackers presented the home team with problems that they were unable to solve in the 28th minute. After a cross from Freuler – both Kimmich and Rüdiger did not defend consistently – Ndoye pushed the ball powerfully into Neuer’s short corner – the 0-1. First deficit at this European Championship, the first endurance test.
Fill the jug again! The Joker comes, sees and hits
Was the (tension), the unconditional will (to win) missing? The need to win? Nagelsmann did not change at halftime, he stayed true to his line of trust. But there was more commitment and determination in the attacking play of the DFB team.
David Raum replaced Mittelstädt, Nico Schlotterbeck came on for Tah, who was in danger of getting red (both 61′) and later Maximilian Beier replaced Andrich (65′).
Nagelsmann’s last jokers (Niclas Füllkrug and Leroy Sané) were expected earlier than the 76th minute. In the heated and passionate game, the DFB team finally equalized and found the “hole” (Füllkrug’s nickname). The stadium literally exploded, what a burst of energy. How far does this volcano moment extend?