Germany averted a scare to finish first in Group A at Euro 2024 after Niclas Fuellkrug’s stoppage-time goal saved a 1-1 draw against Switzerland, while Scotland were eliminated following a last-gasp 1-0 defeat to Hungary, whose striker Barnabas Varga sustained a serious injury.
Dan Ndoye’s first-half goal in Frankfurt put Switzerland on track to surpass hosts Germany for first place.
But Fuellkrug’s late header guaranteed Julian Nagelsmann’s team went to the last 16 in first place, with seven points.
The Germans, who last won the Euros in 1996, will face the Group C runners-up – presently Denmark — in the round of 16.
Denmark, two points behind leaders England, play Serbia in their last group game on Tuesday.
Germany are also on track for a potential quarter-final clash with Spain, who have been among the best teams at the tournament so far.
Switzerland, who reached the quarter-finals at the last Euros in 2021, have now made the knockout stage in six successive major tournaments.
As Group A runners-up with five points, the Swiss will face the second-placed team in Group B in the last 16.
Although Germany were already through to the last 16 after beating Scotland and Hungary, Nagelsmann opted against resting his stars as he named an unchanged team for a third successive game.
Switzerland took a shock lead in the 28th minute as Ndoye met Remo Freuler’s cross with a close-range volley that flashed past Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
Ndoye’s first international goal was made in Bologna as both he and Freuler played for the Serie A club last season.
Adding to Germany’s problems, Jonathan Tah was booked, earning the centre-back a ban for the first knockout game.
Germany dominated possession but Ilkay Gundogan scuffed wide with the goal at his mercy after Yann Sommer parried Jamal Musiala’s stinging strike into the midfielder’s path.
Their pressure was finally rewarded in stoppage-time when Fuellkrug rose highest to power his header into the top corner.
