Germany face Switzerland in what is likely to be the battle for first and second place in group A. Julian Nagelsmann’s side are guaranteed to advance into the next round after picking up six points since the tournament got under way, but a flawless group stage campaign will be the plan in front of their home crowd.
By Matthew Smith
The mixture of experience and youth in the middle of the park has created a successful cocktail in the tournament so far for the Germans. Toni Kroos and İlkay Gündoğan provide a base in the midfield, with Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala given the freedom to make things happen in attack.
The Germans have shown immense control since the start of the tournament and have produced plenty of goals to back up their possession-based style. One of the favourites heading into Euro 2024, Nagelsmann’s men have produced the goods, scoring an average of 3.5 goals per game so far. The toughest game of their group-stage campaign awaits against the Swiss, but they’ll have to beat stronger sides if they want to lift the trophy in July.
With 71.2 per cent possession in their first two games of the tournament, Nagelsmann has been able to implement a controlling style and Germany are now reaping the rewards at Euro 2024.
Although the Swiss stand a good chance of qualifying for the next round of the competition, finishing in first place will be in their sights at the Frankfurt Arena on Sunday. With four points in the bag already, Murat Yakin’s side will be hoping to end the group-stage fixtures on a high.
Granit Xhaka, who has averaged a 7.58 match rating so far, will be crucial for Switzerland if they want to finish on top. His experience and comfortability on the ball have made him a standout star in their first two fixtures, and he’ll have a point to prove in the country where he now plies his trade domestically.
We’re likely to see Switzerland allow the Germans to dominate the ball, hitting them on the break after sitting deep. The Swiss only had 50 per cent of the possession against Hungary, but still managed to create 2.33 expected goals (xG) with 35 touches inside the opposition box.
A draw between the two sides would guarantee they both cement their place in the next round of the competition.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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