The conclusion of the first group in the European Nations Cup, yesterday, Sunday, witnessed exciting moments, as the German team scored a goal that saved it from its first defeat. On his landWhile Hungary eliminated Scotland from the tournament in fatal minutes.
In the match held in Frankfurt, the Swiss team surprised Landowners With the aim of reversing the course of play, the team of young coach Julian Nagelsmann was subjected to an unprecedented test in the tournament, as the Germans found themselves lagging behind in the match, unlike the previous two matches.
Volkrug’s goal
In the final moments of the match, substitute Niklas Volkrug scored a goal that regained the top spot in the group from the clutches of the organized Swiss team, making both teams qualify. Straight to the second round Where is the knockout stage.
Switzerland took the lead with a direct shot from Dan Ndoye, who took advantage of a cross from Remo Freuler in the 28th minute, and minutes later he almost scored the second goal, but his low shot from a long distance went past the post.
But Volkrug scored with a header in stoppage time For Germany to maintain the lead With seven points, two points ahead of Switzerland, it maintains its unbeaten record for the seventh match in a row, a journey that began last November.
Thus, Volkrug deprived the Swiss national team of its second victory over Germany in 22 official matches, since 1959, but it advanced to the second round.
Ilkay Gundogan, captain of the German national team, said: “Of course we would have liked to win the match and perform great. But I think you need to play matches like this in the tournament. This might make you stronger in the next matches, I hope.”
Manuel Neuer’s achievement
The Germans controlled the match and missed many goals, but Switzerland was very dangerous in its counterattacks, which limited the progress of the German defenders and resulted in a second yellow card for defender Jonathan Tah, who will miss his country’s national team match in the next stage.
Kai Havertz played an early header on goal from a corner kick, before demanding a penalty kick after being obstructed inside the area on a frustrating evening for him.
Germany thought they had taken the lead with a powerful shot from Robert Andrich from outside the penalty area, after the defense cleared a cross played by Toni Kroos from the left side, amid objection from the Swiss players, who demanded a violation against Jamal Musiala, review the video assistant referee, and watch Musiala’s intervention on Michel Abichi. On a screen next to the pitch, the referee decided to disallow the goal and call a foul.
At the beginning of the second half, Gundogan missed an opportunity from the edge of the area, while Toni Kroos shot a powerful ball that missed the goal as Germany sought to equalize. Germany had many opportunities when it was given Switzerland Under pressure, Havertz wasted many opportunities.
The referee canceled a goal scored by Switzerland in the final minutes due to offside, before substitute Volkrug rose high to head in David Raum’s cross, also in the second minute of stoppage time.
Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka said: “I think when you see the Germans celebrating a draw, we can be proud of ourselves. Facing a team like this is not always easy. However, we feel hurt after conceding a late goal. We have taken the first step and are now looking forward to competing in the next round.” “The sixteen.”
The match also witnessed a historic achievement for Germany’s goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, who excelled in blocking a dangerous ball in the final minutes, as the 37-year-old goalkeeper became the player who participated most in matches. European Nations Cup Championship With 18 matches, ahead of Italian Gigi Buffon, who played 17 matches.
Scotland is out of the tournament
In the second match, the Hungarian team scored a goal in the tenth minute of stoppage time against Scotland, which played its best match, strengthening its hopes of qualifying for the second round, through its first victory in the group, amid a shock. Scottish fans Farewell to the tournament.
The winning goal was scored by substitute striker Kevin Chubut, giving his team the opportunity to qualify among one of the four teams in third place, as Hungary had only the option of beating Scotland after losing to Switzerland 1-3 and Germany 0-2, in order to enter among the four best ranked teams. Third place and maintaining its hopes of reaching the final eight.
The first half ended in a goalless draw and there was no noticeable attack. The beginning of the second half witnessed difficult moments, as Hungarian striker Barnabash suffered a serious injury after falling violently following a free kick in the 68th minute, as he was carried on a stretcher.
Difficult moments
The 29-year-old fell violently on the back of his neck, and his teammates intervened to help him after he appeared unable to move. The medical staff intervened to treat him and evacuate him from the field amidst the applause of the fans and players who were affected by what happened, in a scene that brought to mind the incident of the Dane’s fall. Christian Eriksen During the last tournament.
Scotland demanded a penalty kick after a contact between Orban and substitute Stuart Armstrong inside the area, as the latter fell as a result, but the referee ordered the play to continue (78).
Hungarian Andras Schäfer almost did it with a right-footed shot near the penalty area that was blocked by the goalkeeper (90), before Hungary’s luck was stubborn, as substitute Chubut’s ball penetrating into the area hit the crossbar (90+3).
Goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi saved defender Grant Hanley’s shot (90+8), while Hungary responded with a counterattack, with Szalai passing a back ball into the area, which Chubut shot powerfully into the net, but goalkeeper Gan was unable to block (90+10).