EURO 2024 is not getting easier for host nation Germany, who managed a late escape against Switzerland on Sunday to secure a first place group stage finish heading into the knockout rounds.
But despite the hiccup, German spirits are not dampened. Hardly.
“Honestly, I don’t think it could have gone any better in the end,” team captain and FC Barcelona star İlkay Gündoğan declared after the match in comments captured by Das Erste (via @iMiaSanMia). “It was a very tough game for us. We had good chances and equalized very late to win the group. We can also benefit from the importance of the equalizer in the next game.
“Today was about somehow holding our own. In terms of play, it wasn’t at the level we’re known for. We perhaps also hit the ball forward too early without being prepared. Of course we would have liked to have won the game again and worked our magic. But that can build up our strength for the next few weeks. In the end, we won the group. The result often proves you right in football. It was really good for the spirit.”
By winning Group A, Germany may have stumbled into a tougher path to the Final — with a strong Spain side potentially lurking at the quarterfinals stage. But by not losing to Switzerland, Julian Nagelsmann’s side may have rescued their mojo.
Missed the Germany-Switzerland match, or can’t get enough of the action? Check out our post-game podcast! Samrin and Cyler break down the reasons for Germany’s struggles, what to make of the result, and check in on the latest Bayern Munich transfers news. Listen here below or on Spotify!
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