Substitute Niklas Volkrug scored a goal in stoppage time to lead Germany to the knockout rounds at the top of Group A with a 1-1 draw with Switzerland, which also advanced to the second round in second place in Frankfurt on Sunday.
Switzerland was minutes away from qualifying at the top after taking 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 almost scored the second goal, but his low shot from a long distance went past the post.
But Volkrug scored a goal with a header in stoppage time, keeping Germany at the top with seven points, two points ahead of Switzerland, and keeping its record unbeaten for the seventh match in a row, a run that began last November.
Thus, Volkrug deprives Switzerland of its second victory over Germany in 22 official matches since 1959.
Kai Havertz played an early header on goal from a corner kick before demanding a penalty kick after he was fouled 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 that a foul be given against Jamal Musiala.
After reviewing the video assistant referee and watching Musiala’s intervention on Michel Abichi on a screen next to the field, the referee decided to cancel the goal and call a violation.
At the beginning of the second half, Ilkay Gundogan missed an opportunity from the edge of the area, while Toni Kroos shot a powerful ball that missed its way into the goal as Germany sought to equalize.
Germany had many chances as Switzerland was put under pressure, and Havertz wasted many opportunities.
The referee canceled a goal scored by Switzerland in the final minutes due to offside.
Volkrug rose high to head in David Raum’s cross in the second minute of stoppage time.
