23/06/2024 – UEFA European Championship – (Group Stage – Group A)
Venue: Frankfurt Arena
Kick-off: 8 pm
Where to watch? Live on BBC Two – and stream via the BBC Sports website.
UEFA Euro 2024: Is Switzerland vs Germany on TV? kick-off, team news, predictions & where to watch
In a highly anticipated showdown for the top spot in Group A at Euro 2024, hosts Germany will face their neighbours Switzerland in Frankfurt on Sunday evening. Germany, riding high after a victory over Hungary, have secured maximum points so far. Meanwhile, Switzerland, after being held to a draw by Scotland, may need at least a point to ensure their progression to the last 16.
MATCH PREVIEW
‘Musiala shines at Euro 2024’
Germany confirmed their place in the knockout rounds of Euro 2024 by defeating Hungary 2-0 in Stuttgart on Wednesday evening. Goals from Jamal Musiala and captain Ilkay Gundogan ensured Germany’s top-two finish in Group A and made them the first team to qualify for the last 16.
Having started the tournament with a commanding victory over Scotland, Germany only needs to avoid defeat against Switzerland to win the group. Head coach Julian Nagelsmann, who succeeded Hansi Flick, has seen his team go on a six-match unbeaten streak, impressing pundits with their cohesion and commitment.
Young talents like Musiala and Florian Wirtz have shone alongside Germany’s experienced players, solidifying their status as favourites to win the Henri Delaunay trophy in Berlin. Historically, Germany has always scored against Switzerland, except for a goalless draw in April 1968, and they aim to continue this streak.
‘Swiss aiming to top the group’
Switzerland, unbeaten in their last three meetings with Germany, only needs a draw to advance to the knockout stages. Even a loss would suffice if Scotland fails to beat Hungary. In case of a Swiss loss and a Scotland win, Switzerland’s favourable goal difference is likely to see them through. An upset win over Germany would see Switzerland top the group.
Switzerland’s position of strength comes from an initial win over Hungary followed by a draw with Scotland, highlighted by Xherdan Shaqiri’s superb equaliser. The Swiss have lost just one of their last 12 European Championship games and have not lost their final group game in their last eight tournament appearances, suggesting they are well-positioned for the last 16.
TEAM NEWS
‘Germany looking for continued consistency’
After a smooth start to their home finals, Germany is expected to maintain a consistent lineup this weekend. Head coach Julian Nagelsmann, aiming for continuity as the knockout rounds approach, has yet to alter his starting lineup at Euro 2024 and remains unconcerned about potential suspensions.
Despite centre-backs Jonathan Tah and Antonio Rudiger, as well as left-back Maximilian Mittelstadt and midfielder Robert Andrich, being one booking away from suspension, they are likely to feature in Sunday’s match.
Captain Ilkay Gundogan is set to join Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz in support of Kai Havertz up front. Musiala aims to become the first German to score in each of the nation’s opening three games at a major tournament since Miroslav Klose at the 2002 World Cup, and the first ever to do so at the European Championship.
In midfield, Toni Kroos has been exceptional, recording 100 or more passes in eight of his last 12 Euro appearances, with 43 line-breaking passes against Hungary alone.
‘Swiss might adopt cautious approach’
Switzerland is expected to field a similar side to the one that drew with Scotland, though Breel Embolo is nearing full fitness and could start. Xherdan Shaqiri, who scored spectacularly after coming off the bench, hopes to retain his place. Only Granit Xhaka has more appearances for the Nati, and only Cristiano Ronaldo has scored at more major finals.
Murat Yakin, who will have Fabian Schar available despite a nose injury, might adopt a cautious approach against Germany. Denis Zakaria, struggling with a thigh injury, is expected to return to the squad as a substitute.
Vincent Sierro, Ricardo Rodriguez, Silvan Widmer, and Remo Freuler are all one booking away from suspension, meaning another yellow card would rule them out of a potential last-16 tie.
Where to watch?
The match is set for kick-off at 8 pm BST on Sunday 23 June at the Deutsche Bank Park (Frankfurt am Main) stadium.
This match will be broadcast live on BBC Two and streamed on the iPlayer and BBC Sport website.
Predicted line-ups
SUI – Sommer; Schar, Akanji, Rodriguez; Widmer, Xhaka, Freuler, Aebischer; Shaqiri, Vargas; Ndoye
GER – Neuer; Kimmich, Tah, Rudiger, Mittelstadt; Andrich, Kroos; Musiala, Gundogan, Wirtz; Havertz
Predictions
Somewhat surprisingly, these nations have not met at a major tournament since the 1966 World Cup, when West Germany beat Switzerland 5-0 in the group stage. While that kind of scoreline is not on the cards this time, Germany are hitting top form and can cruise through as group winners, becoming just the third host to win all three group games at a European Championship. Even in defeat, the Swiss should surely join them. Switzerland 1-2 Germany – (sportsmole)
Germany carry on their momentum with a solid but spectacular win that continues their winning run into the knockout stages of Euro 2024, with Switzerland doing enough to claim second place in Group A. Germany 2-0 Switzerland. – (Independent)
