Matchday 10 of the Euros saw late winners, VAR drama and more teams confined to an early exit. Here is how it all went down in Germany, including what is meant for our Euro 2024 Adidas v Nike Boot Battle.
Germany Leave it Late to Top Group
Germany went into their final group game against Switzerland in fine form, winning both their previous games having conceded just one goal, an own goal at that, in the process. Yet, despite their good start in the Championships, they knew that defeat would see them finish second in the group and face a potential heavyweight clash in the Last 16.
They started well, with unlikely scorer Robert Andrich striking from distance in the 17th minute. His effort bounced in front of Yann Sommer, who could only palm it into the corner of his net. Fortunately for him, VAR determined a foul had been committed in the build up and the goal was ruled out.
Just 12 minutes later, a bright-looking Switzerland side made them pay. They broke down the left and the ball was played into the box. It was met by Dan Ndoye, who volleyed it past Manuel Neuer, who could do nothing to keep it out. Suspicions of offside were quelled, with VAR deeming Ndoye to be just onside and the Swiss took a lead into the break.
Füllkrug Saves Germany
Germany pressed in the second half. Jamal Musial had their first chance to equalise, but his shot was too central and only stung the palms of Sommer. Switzerland looked dangerous on the counter as the Germans pushed for a crucial goal. Granit Xhaka had their best opportunity to extend the lead, with his long-range shot that threatened to nestle into the top corner being well saved by Neuer.
But Germany had the last say in the game. In the 92nd minute, David Raum crossed from the left. It was met by Niclas Füllkrug, who guided his header delightfully into the top-left corner. It ended 1-1 and Germany got the draw that saw them top the group. Meanwhile, Switzerland finished in second and remained unbeaten in the tournament.
Adidas
–
Nike
Füllkrug (Goal): 2
Ndoye (Goal): 2
Running Total: Adidas 130 – Nike 141
Scotland Crash Out to Last-Minute Sucker Punch
Did anyone actually tell these teams they needed to win to stay in this tournament?! The way they were playing, with clear nerves and absolutely no urgency, implied they were both in Germany for a brief holiday. Hungary sat dead bottom of the group and pointless, after losing both their opening games. Meanwhile, Scotland’s draw with Switzerland in their last game looked like they were getting back on the right track.
A Willi Orbán header from three yards out was the only chance of note in the first half, but the defender could only head over – glancing the bar on the way. That was pretty much it. In a must-win game, one measly chance. THIS IS NOT WHAT WE ORDERED.
Dramatic Last 10 Minutes
With 10 minutes remaining, the game finally had a bit of action. Stuart Armstrong was played through on goal, but before he could get his shot away, Orbán looked like he cleaned him out in the box. We say looked like, in reality we mean he proverbially assassinated him in the area. Somehow, the Argentine ref wasn’t interested in doing his job and waved play on. Okay, no worries, that’s fine. Refs make mistakes and the stakes don’t get higher than this. VAR was brought in exactly for this reason, so let’s just wait for the clear and obvious error to be overturned… Still waiting… VAR? Is anyone in the VAR room? Still waiting… DECISION: NO PENALTY.
Hmm, strange is an understatement. Did Scotland launch some offensive into Argentine land to reclaim some historic islands that we didn’t know about or something?
But finally, we had a game on our hands as both sides realised that they needed a goal. The drama was added to by 10 minutes shown for added time. Kevin Csoboth went closest to grabbing a winner, but as he was running through on goal, his shot from a tight angle glazed the post and went wide. Grant Hanley spurned Scotland’s best chance. His shot could only find the hands of the keeper after the ball was set back to him. Wrong player, right time.
In the final moment of the game, Scotland threatened from a corner. A blocked shot in the box landed at the feet of the Hungarians, and they began to break. After some nice hold-up play, the ball was worked to the right wing before it was cut back into the box. Csoboth, who previously hit the post minutes before, met the ball first time and finished into the bottom corner to win it for Hungary with the last kick of the game.
Hungary fans and players went absolutely bezerk, while the Scots fell to their knees. Despite strong support from their fans all tournament, the team couldn’t give them something to cheer about on the pitch. Hungary sit on three points which still might not be enough, but they will likely have secured a Last 16 tie in a few days.
Adidas
Gulacsi (Clean Sheet): 3
Nike
Csoboth (Goal): 2
Orban (Clean Sheet): 2
Dardai (Clean Sheet): 2
Szoboszlai: (MOTM): 4
Running Total:Adidas 133 – Nike 151
Boot Battle Standings (Adidas 133 – Nike 151) – Matchday 10:
Nike extend a definitive lead in our Euro 2024 Boot Battle. Team Adidas took just three points on the day, including a blank in the Germany-Switzerland game. Nike put the pressure on in the Scotland game, with several of their Nike-wearing players securing clean sheet, goal and MOTM points. Were it not for Gulacsi, Adidas’ deficit would have been even greater, but after day 10 there are just 18 points in it.
Tomorrow, it’s the turn of Spain, Italy, Croatia and Albania, with both games having bearings on who could progress and who can join the Scots in an early exit.
