Contents
Read on one page Contents
Page 1Everything you need to know about the group final
Page 2Musiala has to work magic on the field
Who plays when?
Group A, Matchday 3: Switzerland – Germany (9 p.m., Frankfurt, ARD)
What is it about (and what is it not about)?
It’s no longer about progressing, Germany has that for sure and Switzerland has almost done so, as the ZEIT ONLINE calculator shows. It’s about first place in the group. If the Germans don’t lose, they will go into the round of 16 as group winners, which is Julian Nagelsmann’s stated goal. Switzerland, as second in the group, would face Italy or Croatia, and a heavy defeat could see them slip to third place. They will only be first in the group if they win.
“We are not under pressure to necessarily win,” said Swiss coach Murat Yakin. Xherdan Shaqiri spoke of an “acid test.” The Swiss had a lot going on before the European Championships, Yakin had differences of opinion with his captain Granit Xhaka and had to endure discussions about his environment and his job security. But now success and calm are back.
Will there be a different German lineup?
No changes are planned, Julian Nagelsmann announced in the press conference the day before the game. He has found his starting eleven. He wants to keep the “rhythm”. He is not paying attention to possible yellow card suspensions – if you receive your second yellow card of the tournament, you are suspended for the next game. Four German players are in danger of being suspended. “If I were a player and only played because someone was being spared because of the yellow card, I would find that disrespectful.” Germany wants to win the group and is still in the process of finding its feet. It is better not to intervene. Nagelsmann is doing things simply – and doing a lot of things right.
Some fans would like to see Niclas Füllkrug in the attack for Kai Havertz. But Havertz is valuable. He is always available to pass to, can hold the ball and distribute it. However, he could be clearer and more decisive in front of goal. Füllkrug, on the other hand, is almost exclusively strong in finishing. In the 30 minutes or so that he was allowed to play against Hungary, he hardly took part in the combination play. But against Scotland he smashed a rebound into the goal at full speed.
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It will be more exciting to see how and when Nagelsmann will make substitutions. The national coach has already used the first two games to make a lot of substitutions and let the substitutes get into the tournament. Against Hungary, he made two substitutions early in the second half. That wasn’t without risk when the score was 1-0, but it worked out well. It has the advantage that many players are already in the tournament when things get serious.
How good are the Swiss?
They are likely to be the Germans’ strongest opponent in the group stage. Most Swiss players play in the Premier League, Bundesliga or Serie A, they are tactically astute and used to competition. Granit Xhaka carries Leverkusen’s success within him. Manuel Akanji is one of Manchester City’s most important defenders. Fabian Schär has been cleaning up for Newcastle United for years. Yann Sommer is in goal for Italian champions Inter Milan. And Xherdan Shaqiri has been playing top European football for a long time, he is always particularly noticeable at tournaments, and he scored a spectacular long-range goal against Scotland. Switzerland is definitely good for a draw against Germany.
Group A, Matchday 3: Switzerland – Germany (9 p.m., Frankfurt, ARD)
It’s no longer about progressing, Germany has that for sure and Switzerland has almost done so, as the ZEIT ONLINE calculator shows. It’s about first place in the group. If the Germans don’t lose, they will go into the round of 16 as group winners, which is Julian Nagelsmann’s stated goal. Switzerland, as second in the group, would face Italy or Croatia, and a heavy defeat could see them slip to third place. They will only be first in the group if they win.
