Germany Grab Dramatic Draw to Win Group A

Fullkrug Earns Late Equalizer to Deny Switzerland

Germany qualified for the knockout stages of Euro 2024 in dramatic fashion on Thursday, as substitute Niclas Fullkrug netted an injury-time equalizer to secure a 1-1 draw against Switzerland.

The result means Germany finish top of Group A, setting up a last-16 clash with the runners-up from Group B. Switzerland, meanwhile, must settle for second place and will face the winners of Group B in the next round.

The game looked destined to finish in a stalemate, with Switzerland seemingly content to sit back and defend their slender lead. However, Fullkrug had other ideas. The Werder Bremen forward was introduced as a substitute in the 82nd minute and made an instant impact, heading home a cross from Thilo Kehrer in the dying seconds of the game.

The goal sparked wild celebrations among the German players and fans, who had watched their team struggle to break down a stubborn Swiss defense for much of the evening. It was a cruel blow for Switzerland, who had taken the lead through Xherdan Shaqiri in the 22nd minute.

The result was a fitting end to a thrilling Group A campaign, which saw all four teams involved in a tight race for qualification. In the end, it was Germany who emerged victorious, thanks in no small part to the heroics of Niclas Fullkrug.