Football: Soccer-Germany look to lock up top spot in group against Switzerland

BERLIN (Reuters) – Germany are enjoying their best start to a tournament in more than a decade but the Euro 2024 hosts want to make it three wins from three when they face Switzerland on Sunday to seal top spot in Group A and get a potentially easier opponent in the last 16.

Their two opening victories mark an even better start than they had at the 2014 World Cup when they last won a major international title.

Germany require at least a draw against the Swiss, who have yet to book their spot in the next round, in order to avoid finishing second in the group and having to play the second-placed team from Group B.

That could lead to a tricky round of 16 match against a team from a group featuring Italy, Spain, Croatia and Albania.

Topping the group would give Julian Nagelsmann’s side a seemingly easier path against the second team in Group C. England top that group on four points, with Denmark and Slovenia both on two and Serbia on one point.

“Top spot is important. We want to win all our matches,” Nagelsmann said following Germany’s 2-0 victory over Hungary in their second group game.

The coach, who took over in September last year, has led a revival of the three-time European champions’ title hopes, and after sticking with the same lineup in his first two matches he is unlikely to make major changes.

“I do think it is important to have as many players from the starting 11 on the pitch so that we stay in the rhythm,” he said.

“Do not expect to have seven changes to the team. I can rule that out now.”

His players have delivered convincing performances in their 5-1 demolition of Scotland and their win over Hungary, their first in a competitive match against them in 70 years.

Nagelsmann is likely to retain his attacking midfield trio of captain Ilkay Gundogan flanked by Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz that has been key to their winning start.

There could be changes further back with Pascal Gross possibly slipping in for Robert Andrich in front of the defence.

But Nagelsmann is in no mood to underestimate the Swiss, who drew 1-1 against the Scots earlier in the week following their opening win over Hungary.

Switzerland will top the group with a win but will also advance with a draw if Scotland fail to beat Hungary in the other group match. Defeat could potentially see them exit the tournament.

“We know we are now up against a team that is of a different calibre with their super attack and the euphoria (as hosts),” said Switzerland forward Xherdan Shaqiri.

“But we are going into the game with confidence and look forward to it. Obviously we want to bother the Germans. That’s clear.”

(Reporting by Karolos Grohmann; Editing by Peter Rutherford)