Switzerland came within minutes of beating Germany at Euro 2024 but Niclas Fullkrug scored a stoppage-time leveller which ensured the hosts won Group A.
Winger Dan Ndoye of Bologna, 23, scored what looked like being the game’s only goal when he volleyed past Manuel Neuer from Remo Freuler’s sumptuous first-half cross.
But Germany kept plugging away despite excellent Swiss defending and Julian Nagelsmann’s side earned a 1-1 draw in the 92nd minute as substitute David Raum crossed towards Fullkrug. The big striker did the rest, nodding back across goal and past Yann Sommer.
By winning the group, Germany set up a last-16 meeting with the runners-up from England’s group.
Switzerland, by contrast, will face second place from Group B; Albania, Italy or Croatia.
Germany were the dominant side at Frankfurt’s Waldstadion, but Switzerland produced a spirited display and were a constant threat on the break.
Ndoye and Breel Embolo were central to that, as was Ruben Vargas after he came on as a second-half substitute.
Germany came close through Kai Havertz, whose header landed on the top of the crossbar, and through Leroy Sane, before Fullkrug earned them a draw that saw them pip Switzerland to become group winners at the last.
In Group A’s other deciding game, Hungary stole a dramatic late 1-0 win over Scotland to ensure they finished third and gave themselves a slim chance of making the second round as one of the four best third-placed teams.
