Christian Eriksen acknowledges "it doesn't get any bigger" for Denmark as they prepare to take on host nation Germany in the Euro 2024 round of 16.

Kasper Hjulmand's side, who reached the Euro 2020 semi-finals, are appearing in the knockout stages of successive European Championships for the first time, having finished as Group C runners-up behind England.

Eriksen played a key role as the Danes went unbeaten in their opening three matches.

The Manchester United midfielder scored against Slovenia, and became the first Denmark player to register 10 or more shots (10) and create 10 or more chances (13) in a single edition of a major tournament.

Denmark have lost all five of their previous European Championship matches against the host nation, though they do boast fond memories of their victory over Germany in the 1992 final.

"I'm really looking forward to it," Eriksen said. "A knockout game against Germany in Germany; it doesn't get any bigger than that.

"A lot of people seem to think that we've lost already, so we can play freely and give our all. I'm looking forward to showing that we can rub shoulders [with the best teams] in this tournament.

"I believe we can beat the Germans, but many things will have to come together for us."

Eriksen has also become Denmark's most-capped player after taking his tally of senior international appearances to 133 - one ahead of team-mate Simon Kjaer.

"I'm very proud to have won so many international caps," the 32-year-old added. "It's a bit of a strange feeling because a lot of the players who are up there are all-time greats of Danish football.

"To be there alongside them is something I will look upon fondly when I'm done playing, with a big smile on my face."

Kai Havertz compared himself to Harry Kane as the Germany forward admits "I don't understand the discussion" around his central role for the Euro 2024 hosts.

Havertz led the line in each of Germany's three Group A games at the tournament, scoring a penalty and providing an assist in their opening 5-1 rout of Scotland on matchday one.

Although, the Arsenal forward failed to add to that tally in the next two games, with Niclas Fullkrug netting twice from the bench including a late equaliser against Switzerland.

Havertz has often drawn criticism suggesting he does not score enough goals while operating as a number nine, but he insists there is more to the role than just finding the net - noting England and Bayern Munich forward Kane as an example.

"Football has developed incredibly, especially in recent years," he told Sport1. "Who in European football is really such a classic centre-forward? Erling Haaland, perhaps.

"Not even Harry Kane is one for me. He has a great finish, but he doesn't just stand in front of the box and wait for the ball. That's why I don't understand the discussion.

"I've been very successful in this position for the last six months. I feel comfortable up front and see myself in this position in the long term."

It remains to be seen whether Havertz will retain his starting role when Germany face Denmark in the round of 16 on Saturday. Fullkrug has certainly staked his claim to Julian Nagelsmann.

With four goals from six appearances in major tournaments - all from the bench - only Poland's Ernst Wilimowski (one every 30 minutes) boasts a better minutes-per-goal ratio than the 31-year-old (one every 35 minutes) among all European players to play at least 100 minutes at the World Cup and European Championship combined.

"Nobody can assume that [they will be starting]," Havertz added. "I'm a player who needs confidence. It's important to work hard in training and give everything in the games. I can say that about myself. Everyone wants to be on the pitch. In the end, the coach decides.

"Denmark have a very good team with many good individual players. But they also work as a team. It's going to be a tough game, but I'm convinced of our quality. I think we can do it [win]."

Julian Nagelsmann has confirmed Antonio Rudiger will be fit for Germany's last-16 clash with Denmark at Euro 2024, though refused to divulge his plans on Niclas Fullkrug and Kai Havertz.

Real Madrid defender Rudiger suffered a thigh strain in the final Group A clash with Switzerland, who were undone by Fullkrug's late header in a 1-1 draw.

That last-gasp heroics from the towering forward secured top spot in the group, subsequently teeing up a meeting with Denmark in the knockout stages on Saturday.

It appeared unclear whether Rudiger would be fit for the round-of-16 clash, yet Nagelsmann says the centre-back will be available after returning to team training.

"If nothing else happens, he can play tomorrow," said Nagelsmann at Friday's pre-match press conference in Dortmund.

Nagelsmann also has to consider his options up top after Fullkrug again impressed from the substitutes bench.

Indeed, Fullkrug has scored four goals in six major tournament appearances for Germany, with all games and goals coming as a substitute.

Among all European players to play at least 100 minutes at the World Cup and Euros, only Poland's Ernst Wilimowski (one every 30 minutes) has a better minutes-per-goal ratio than Fullkrug's 35-minute ratio.

"I'm not following the discussion at all," Nagelsmann said on the decision to start Havertz, Florian Wirtz or Fullkrug.

"We as the coaching team will decide who plays. I won't say anything before tomorrow."

Germany are set to play in their fifth straight knockout stages of the European Championship, with support growing on home soil as they contend with pre-tournament favourites England and France.

Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand acknowledged Nagelsmann's men as one of the favourites to go all the way, but still backed his team's chances.

"I said it before the tournament started that I consider Germany one of the favourites," Hjulman said. "Just too bad they are playing us tomorrow!

"The quality they have, the way they express themselves in the first couple of matches, the talent they have – but so do we.

"We also have a great team. So they have to be very, very good tomorrow to beat us."

With the group stages behind us, Euro 2024 now enters the business end of the tournament, when there's no more margin for error.

The favourites are all through in the main, with Croatia the biggest name to drop out in the group stage.

There are some surprise packages that have made the last 16 too, though: tournament debutants Georgia stunned Portugal to reach this stage, while Austria finished above France and the Netherlands to top Group D.

But as the tournament goes on, there are some serious questions being asked of the respective coaches when it comes to team selections, while other players nurse knocks ahead of the knockouts.

And here, using Opta data, we take a look at some of those selection dilemmas.

Should Southgate drop Foden and can Shaw stay fit?

Phil Foden came into Euro 2024 on the back of a magnificent season for Manchester City. He was named the Premier League Player of the Year, scoring 19 goals in 35 top-flight appearances in 2023-24.

Yet playing out on the left side of England's attack, with Jude Bellingham deployed centrally, Foden has failed to replicate that form for the Three Lions.

Anthony Gordon directly contributed to 21 Premier League goals for Newcastle United (11 goals, 10 assists), and appears able to offer the kind of directness that seems to be missing from England's attack.

Gordon would seemingly replace Foden if he were to start, so what is England's recent record at major tournaments without the City star?

Foden has featured in 10 games at the World Cup and Euros for England, who have won six of those games, drawing three and losing one. They score 1.8 goals per game with him in the team compared to 1.6 in the five tournament matches in which he has not featured.

Defensively, England do seem a little more solid when Foden does not feature, with their goals conceded per game dropping from 0.6 with him in, to 0.2 without the 24-year-old.

Behind Foden, though, the left-back position is an issue. Luke Shaw has not played for club or country since February, but Kieran Trippier has failed to offer the same attacking output or balance while deputising, and could be an injury doubt ahead of England's clash with Slovakia.

The sense of Southgate in taking an unfit Shaw can certainly be questioned, though when factoring in major tournaments only, you can understand why.

England have a 58.3% win percentage (7/12) when Shaw is in the team compared to a 35.3% (6/17) success rate when he is not, while conceding double the amount of goals per 90 without Shaw (1.0 to 0.5).

Does Ronaldo deserve Martinez's backing?

Cristiano Ronaldo is the record appearance maker (28) and goalscorer (14) at the Euros, but at 39, should he be spearheading Portugal's attack?

Ronaldo failed to score from 12 shots in the group stage, as for the first time at a major tournament, he did not manage to hit the back of the net in the first round.

The Al-Nassr striker scored 10 goals from qualifying, but against more resilient defences, he has found it tougher, and against Georgia he was kept quiet, though he did spurn one Opta-defined 'big chance'.

Ronaldo's appearance against Georgia marked his 50th such match at a major tournament, a European record, with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner having only sat out two fixtures at a World Cup or Euros since 2004. Portugal have a 46% win ratio with him in their team in major competitions, but is it time to cut the cord?

France need Mbappe's magic

Kylian Mbappe recovered from a broken nose to play, while donning a mask, for France against Poland last time out, and it was his penalty that put Les Bleus ahead before Robert Lewandowski equalised from the spot.

That marked Mbappe's first goal at the Euros, while he is now just one behind Michel Platini (14) in France's all-time list of record goalscorers at major tournaments.

France recorded 2.32 xG against Poland, with Mbappe accounting for 1.31 of that. In the match that he missed, a 0-0 draw against the Netherlands, Les Bleus mustered only 1.43 xG, showing how much Mbappe was missed.

Missing out

There are some big players who definitely will not be featuring in the last 16, and that is due to the fact they are suspended after picking up two yellow cards throughout the group stage.

Italy's Riccardo Calafiori has been one of the stars of the tournament, but the Bologna defender will not play against Switzerland on Saturday.

Hosts Germany will also be without a key defender in Jonathan Tah.

This campaign has been Tah's first at a major tournament, but the Bayer Leverkusen centre-back has been impressive so far and will be a miss when Germany go up against Denmark.

Turkiye, meanwhile, will have to play Austria without Hakan Calhanoglu.

The Inter playmaker has only missed one match for his country at a major tournament, though Turkiye did win that one, but facing in-form Austria without their best player is a daunting prospect. 

The Euro 2024 group stage is behind us, having provided fans across the continent with their fair share of thrills and spills.

From the emergence of Austria and Georgia as surprise packages to the below-par performances of England, France and the Netherlands, there has been plenty of intrigue. 

Now 16 teams remain and the knockout bracket is locked in, and most of the continent's leading marksmen – including Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane and Cristiano Ronaldo – will still be dreaming of lifting the trophy on July 14.

Adding the Golden Boot alongside team success would make it a dream tournament, but the established continental stars face competition for that honour from a few breakout stars.

With the likes of Georges Mikautadze, Jamal Musiala and Niclas Fullkrug staking their own claims, who will finish top of the scoring charts?

We delve into the Opta data to assess the runners and riders, as well as those bigger names who have struggled so far. 

THE FAVOURITES 

Kylian Mbappe (one goal)

Mbappe endured a dreadful time at the delayed Euro 2020 tournament three years ago, and things have not gone much better this time around.

At Euro 2020, he failed to score and missed the decisive penalty as France exited in the last 16 versus Switzerland. 

Only Alvaro Morata (six), Gerard Moreno and Kane (five each) missed more big chances (as defined by Opta) than Mbappe (four). His 14 total shots amounted to 1.7 expected goals (xG), with only Moreno (-2.25) and Dani Olmo (-1.86) underperforming their xG figures by a greater margin.

This year, a nasty collision with Austria defender Kevin Danso left him with a broken nose and forced him to miss France's second Group D match against the Netherlands, but he returned – donning a protective mask – to score from the penalty spot in their 1-1 draw with Poland.

That was his 13th goal for France at major tournaments (one at the Euros, 12 at World Cups), with only Michel Platini (14) netting more. With many backing France to go far despite landing on a stacked side of the bracket, that figure is certainly within reach.

If France are to go all the way, they will have to overcome Belgium in the last 16 and could face Portugal in the last eight and one of Germany or Spain in the semi-finals. 

They are now fourth favourites to win the tournament, according to the Opta supercomputer, with some big-game performances from Mbappe required. 

Harry Kane (one)

Like Mbappe, Kane has one goal to his name at the end of the group stage, having netted England's opener in their 1-1 draw with Denmark on matchday two.

Also like the France captain, Kane has endured a difficult tournament, starved of service in an England team that has been jeered by their own fans despite topping Group C.

Only Scotland (0.95) and Serbia (2.11) created a lower xG figure than the Three Lions (2.19) in the group stage as they toiled to five points, but a seemingly kind path through the knockout rounds has them installed as favourites once again.

Kane is a player who tends to grow into tournaments, and Gareth Southgate will be hoping his skipper does so. Kane has scored six goals in his last six appearances in the knockout stages of major tournaments for England (two in two at the 2022 World Cup, four in four at Euro 2020). 

His seven goals in tournament knockout stages overall are also the most of any Three Lions player in history.

The mood around the England team has not exactly been buoyant thus far, but with the draw opening up, do not sleep on Kane's chances of firing them to glory.

Jamal Musiala (two)

Germany made a flying start to their home tournament with a 5-1 rout of Scotland and a 2-0 victory over Hungary, with Bayern Munich man Musiala scoring in both games.

They found things more difficult in a 1-1 draw with Switzerland on matchday three and are sure to be tested by Denmark in the last 16, but if Julian Nagelsmann's men are to prolong their encouraging run, Musiala will be key.

One of just six players with multiple goals to his name at this stage, Musiala has also completed the second-most dribbles at the tournament with nine, behind only Belgium's Jeremy Doku (13).

Of the six players to net more than once, only Slovakia's Ivan Schranz (two goals, 0.39 xG) has scored his goals from a lower xG figure than Musiala's 0.48, with both of the German's strikes being rasping finishes into the roof of the net.

Playing for the team whose total of 5.1 xG is the best at the tournament, Musiala should get plenty more chances to add to his tally. 

Niclas Fullkrug (two)

Musiala is not the only home favourite in contention to top the goalscoring charts, though, with super sub Fullkrug proving the direct route can be an effective option with two goals in just 73 minutes of action off the bench.

Having found the top-right corner with a brilliant strike against Scotland, the Borussia Dortmund man spared the hosts' blushes on matchday three, as his stoppage-time leveller ensured they pipped Switzerland to top spot in Group A.

His goals have come from just three shots worth a total of 0.54 xG, and it will be interesting to see whether those figures are sustainable should he force his way into Nagelsmann's starting lineup.

A recent poll of 138,000 supporters conducted by German newspaper BILD found 90% of respondents wanted to see Fullkrug start the team's first knockout match.

Cody Gakpo (two)

The Netherlands have not exactly impressed so far, sneaking through Group D in third place following a 3-2 defeat to an inspired Austria team.

However, like England, they have landed on what appears to be the weaker side of the draw, boosting their hopes of going all the way.

The Opta supercomputer gave Ronald Koeman's Oranje a 5.1% chance of winning the trophy before a ball was kicked, and that is now up to 7% despite their struggles, due to Romania, Austria and Turkiye being the other teams in their quarter of the draw.

The fact they could reach the last four without playing a knockout game against any established heavyweights could see them put forward a Golden Boot contender in the shape of Gakpo.

The Liverpool man has two goals to his name already, also winning more duels (23) than any other player at the competition.

He could now become the sixth Dutchman to score three or more goals at a single edition of the Euros, after Marco van Basten (five in 1988), Dennis Bergkamp (three in 1992), Patrick Kluivert (five in 2000), Ruud van Nistelrooy (four in 2004) and Georginio Wijnaldum (thee at Euro 2020).

Georges Mikautadze (three)

None of the big names mentioned above are leading the way in the Golden Boot race, though, with that honour going to a surprise name.

Georgia's Georges Mikautadze, who plays his club football in France for recently relegated Metz, has three goals to his name.

His last two goals – against Czechia and Portugal – have come from the penalty spot, with his first being a clever sweeping finish against Turkiye on matchday one – his country's first goal at a major tournament as an independent nation.

Perhaps crucially, Mikautadze has also recorded an assist, meaning he has twice as many total goal involvements (four) as any other player at the tournament.

Assists are used as a tie-breaker in scenarios where two players are level in the Golden Boot race at the Euros, and it is not far-fetched to suggest he may already have done enough to claim the prize.

Spain great Fernando Torres won the 2012 award with just three goals, although five of the last seven editions of the European Championships have seen a player win the Golden Boot with five goals or more (Antoine Griezmann netted six in 2016).

If the continent's big names continue to misfire, Mikautadze could mark a breakout tournament with an individual honour.

THE OTHER CONTENDERS

With teams facing four more games if they are to reach the final, plenty of other players are not yet out of contention, even if they struggled in the group stage.

Alvaro Morata (one)

Morata made a flying start to the tournament as he slotted home Spain's opener in their impressive 3-0 demolition of Croatia on matchday one, but he has not scored since then, being rested for their final group game against Albania.

La Roja's success has been built on a solid defence, as they are just the second team to win all three of their group-stage matches to nil at the Euros, after Italy at the 2020 edition.

However, they are now expected to go far, and their skipper should get plenty of chances to add to his tally.

That being said, he has only converted one of his eight shots, so that conversion rate will certainly have to improve.

Cristiano Ronaldo (zero)

While Portugal topped Group F with a game to spare and could afford to rest players for Wednesday's 2-0 defeat to Georgia, Ronaldo has endured a frustrating time of things in front of goal.

He failed to score in the group stages of a major international tournament for the first time in his career, with this his 11th competition with the Selecao, who he has now played for on 50 occasions at major tournaments (a European record).

Still the European Championships' all-time leading scorer with 14 goals, his seven assists are also now the most on record (since 1968) at the competition. He will be keen to add to both of those tallies in the knockout rounds.

Romelu Lukaku (zero)

You could argue Lukaku has been both wasteful and unfortunate. He has failed to score from 10 shots totalling 1.67 xG at Euro 2024, with Antoine Griezmann the only player with zero goals from a higher underlying figure (1.84).

The Belgium man has also seen three goals ruled out following VAR checks, either for handball in the build-up or for offside. But for the technology's interventions, he would be level with Mikautadze at the top of the charts.

His chances of winning the Golden Boot have been made that much tougher by the draw, with France up next for the Red Devils after they finished second in Group E.

Christoph Baumgartner (one)

Ralf Rangnick's Austria have been one of the stories of the tournament, pipping France and the Netherlands to top spot in Group D to land on the more favourable side of the draw and leave fans dreaming of a run all the way to the final.

Only Germany have scored more goals (eight to six) or created a higher cumulative xG figure (5.1 to 3.84) than Rangnick's high-pressing side, and they could entertain again when they face Turkiye in the last 16.

With one goal and one assist, RB Leipzig attacker Baumgartner is the only Austrian with multiple goal involvements at Euro 2024, an instinctive finish against Poland demonstrating his coolness in front of goal.

Watch out for his team-mate Marcel Sabitzer, though, who scored a fantastic goal in Austria's 3-2 win over the Netherlands last time out.

Niclas Fullkrug believes Germany have already shown they are capable of winning Euro 2024 ahead of their last-16 tie with Denmark on Saturday. 

Julian Nagelsmann's side concluded their Group A campaign with a draw against Switzerland, with Borussia Dortmund forward Fullkrug striking late on to secure top spot. 

Germany thumped Scotland 5-1 in the opening game of the tournament before beating Hungary 2-0 in Stuttgart. 

And Fullkrug is confident the hosts have demonstrated title-winning levels.

"If you want to become European champions you have to beat the really good [teams]," Fullkrug said. 

"I think we've already shown what we are capable of in this tournament."

Germany head coach Nagelsmann was able to sit back and watch the action for the remainder of the week but was in no mood for sympathy for having extra days to prepare for their knockout stage fixture compared to Denmark.

"We have two more days to prepare, maybe the opponent is not that happy about that," Nagelsmann said.

"But one of those four only has to prepare for one team, we have to prepare for four, so it's kind of fair. May the best team win on Saturday."

Preparations for Denmark begin #DFB #GermanFootball #GermanMNT #EURO2024

DFB/ Philipp Reinhard pic.twitter.com/nzMO7piEEj

— German Football (@DFB_Team_EN) June 26, 2024

Denmark have only won three of their last 15 matches at major tournaments, drawing seven and losing five.

They are winless in their last seven such games (D4 L3), drawing all three of their games in Group C.

Kasper Hjulmand has a plan for how Denmark can derail the host's dreams of claiming a fourth European crown. 

"We have to close down the central space, at the same time as we have to play football," Hjulmand said.

"Germany are one of the hardest-pressing teams at the Euros, they win the ball back very quickly, so it's important that we can play the ball around in there."

And Yussuf Poulsen thinks Denmark can take confidence from Switzerland's display against Germany. 

"We are a very good team, we defend very well and have good attackers who can hurt the Germans, I am sure," Poulsen said.

"We have played against each other before and it was an even game. Of course, we also saw how Switzerland did it and we see ourselves as a similar team to Switzerland."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Germany – Niclas Fullkrug

Although he may not start the game in Dortmund, Nagelsmann has a dangerous weapon in his armoury in the shape of Fullkrug. 

Fullkrug has scored four goals in six major tournament appearances for Germany, with all those coming as a substitute.

Among all European players to play at least 100 minutes at the World Cup and Euros combined, only Ernst Wilimowski (one every 30 mins) has a better minutes per goal ratio than Fullkrug (one every 35 mins).

Denmark – Christian Eriksen

Eriksen has often been the diamond in the crown of Denmark's midfield, but this could be the midfielder's most influential tournament to date.

In the group stage, he was directly involved in 23 of Denmark's 42 shots, attempting 10 and teeing up a further 13.

He is the first Denmark player to register both 10+ shots and 10+ chances created at a single edition of a major tournament. If the Danes are to upset the odds, Eriksen will likely be crucial.

MATCH PREDICTION: GERMANY WIN

This encounter will be the fifth meeting between Germany and Denmark at a major tournament.

Germany will take comfort from Denmark's record against the host nation of a European Championship, with the Danes losing all five of their previous meetings, including against the Germans themselves in the 1988 group stage. 

However, Germany's record at this stage of the Euros has not been impressive of late. Having reached the knockout stage for a fifth consecutive time, Die Mannschaft's last two such matches have both ended in 2-0 defeats, to France at Euro 2016 and England at Euro 2020. 

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Germany - 57.9%

Draw - 23.3%

Denmark - 18.8%

And with that, the Euro 2024 group stages conclude on yet another dramatic day of action across Germany. 

Turkiye, Georgia, Romania, Belgium and Slovakia were the final teams to secure their place in the knockout stages of the tournament. 

Here, we unpack the best of Wednesday's social media clips from the football at the European Championship.

Germany eyeing Denmark task

Julian Nagelsmann's side now know their opponents for the knockout stages of Euro 2024 following the conclusion of Group C on Tuesday.

The hosts will travel to Dortmund this Saturday to play Denmark at the Westfalenstadion for a place in the quarter-finals. 

Having had two extra days of rest compared to their opponents, Germany will be hopeful of continuing their impressive start to the tournament. 

Varga returns to Hungary

Following a successful operation, Hungary striker Barnabas Varga has been discharged from hospital and returned home to continue his recovery. 

The 29-year-old was left with multiple broken facial bones and a concussion after colliding with Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn last Sunday. 

Varga's club side, Ferencvaros, posted a picture to X of the striker waving to the camera upon his return back.

Skills on show from Zinchenko

Ahead of Ukraine's meeting with Belgium in Stuttgart, defender Oleksandr Zinchenko was seen showing off his skills. 

The Arsenak full-back was introduced as a second-half substitute against the Red Devils, but was unable to prevent his side from finishing bottom of Group E. 

Ukraine became the first side in European Championship history to fail to progress to the knockout stages of the competition after claiming four points. 

A night to remember for Kvaratskhelia

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia starred in a landmark triumph for Georgia over Portugal, and was able to grab a souvenir to remember the occasion. 

In a video posted to his Instagram, the Napoli forward managed to grab Cristiano Ronaldo's shirt at full-time.

With that memento to cherish, Kvaratskhelia will hope to power Georgia through Sunday's last-16 meeting with Spain, the only side still boasting a 100 per cent record in Germany.

Nagelsmann's future number one?

Germany confirmed top spot in Group A on Matchday 3, coming from a goal down to draw with Switzerland in Frankfurt. 

Manuel Neuer has kept one clean sheet from his three games, but could have found his future replacement in goal. 

The Bayern Munich goalkeeper was seen sharing a moment with a ball boy prior to kick-off, with the youngster approving of Neuer's throw to him with a thumbs up. 

De la Fuente thanks Spanish journalists

The relationship between footballers and journalists can often come into question but that is not the case for Spain manager Luis de la Fuente. 

La Roja's head coach met with the Spanish media to thank them for their coverage of Spain's perfect start to the tournament, even sharing food and drink with them. 

Kane ready for important part of Euro 2024

After failing to dazzle in their three group games, England captain Harry Kane insists his side are ready to shine in the knockout stages of Euro 2024. 

The Bayern Munich striker joined Josh Denzel on Wednesday's episode of the Lions' Den, discussing finishing top of Group C and controlling their destiny moving forward. 

"Got a game on Sat!"

The Azzurri face a stern test in the last-16 as they look to retain their European Championship crown. 

Luciano Spalletti's side face Switzerland in Berlin on Saturday, with Italy's social media account quick to remind them of getting back into training. 

Ferdinand backs Mainoo and Palmer to take England to glory

There were perhaps only two positives from England's draw with Slovakia; topping the group and the introductions of Kobbie Mainoo and Cole Palmer. 

The Three Lions young guns made their case for a starting spot against Slovakia in their last-16 fixture on Sunday.

And Rio Ferdinand believes Gareth Southgate must start the pair in Gelsenkirchen, and for the rest of the tournament to stand any chance of success. 
 

Manuel Neuer said Germany's draw with Switzerland felt like a win, going on to praise the impact made by Julian Nagelsmann's substitutions in Frankfurt on Sunday. 

In a battle between Group A's unbeaten sides, it was Murat Yakin's team who took the lead through Dan Ndoye's first international goal in the first half.

Germany had seen Robert Andrich's earlier effort ruled out by VAR after Jamal Musiala was adjudged to have committed a foul in the build-up. 

However, substitutes David Ruam and Niclas Fullkrug combined to rescue a point for Die Mannschaft, ensuring they topped the group and remained unbeaten heading into the knockout stages. 

"You should never write off a team, especially ours, especially with the substitutions we were able to make," said Neuer. 

"The players who came on were a breath of fresh air and the result feels a bit like a victory."

Neuer, who made his 18th appearance for Germany at the Euros, overtook Gianluigi Buffon (17) to become the goalkeeper with the most appearances in the tournament’s history but was unable to celebrate with a clean sheet. 

During that time, the 38-year-old has made 32 saves across his appearances in the tournament, an average of 1.7 per game.

When compared to Buffon, the Italian made more saves (60) from fewer outings, averaging 3.5 saves per game, as well as keeping more clean sheets (eight) compared to Neuer's six.

The Bayern Munich goalkeeper is playing in his eighth major tournament for Germany and knows his side must improve in the last-16 if they are to add to their three European Championship titles.

"We weren't quite as good over the 90 minutes (as the first two games) and I think a draw was a fair result. We can be satisfied with the point."

Germany will face the runner-up of Group C in Dortmund on Saturday, with all four sides potential opponents for Nagelsmann's team. 

Sunday's action at Euro 2024 saw the conclusion of Group A, with late drama ensuring a last-gasp shake up to the standings.

Germany looked sure to be on the end of a shock defeat to Switzerland until substitute Niclas Fullkrug stepped up to make it 1-1 in stoppage time and send the hosts through as group winners.

Meanwhile, Scotland crashed out of the tournament without a win after conceding the latest goal ever scored at the Euros, with Hungary keeping their hopes of knockout football alive with their 1-0 victory.

Here, we run through all the best Opta stats to emerge from the day's matches.

Switzerland 1-1 Germany: Neuer makes history, but Fullkrug grabs headlines

Having already qualified for the last 16, the hosts left it late to seal top spot in the group, needing Fullkrug to make a much-needed impact off the bench in Frankfurt.

Dan Ndoye had given Switzerland a first-half lead with his maiden international goal to become the nation's second-youngest goalscorer at the Euros (aged 23 years 242 days), but Switzerland could not hold on.

Manuel Neuer was left helpless against the forward's first-time finish on his 18th appearance at the European Championships, the most among goalkeepers at the tournament (overtaking Gianluigi Buffon – 17). At major tournaments, only Cristiano Ronaldo (45) has played in more games than the Bayern Munich stopper (37).

Julian Nagelsmann named the same starting XI for three consecutive games, the first time Germany have done so in the competition's history, though it looked like tiredness was starting to take its toll as they struggled to break down their opponents.

Toni Kroos finished the game with a passing accuracy of 92.5%, only averaging lower than that in one game for Real Madrid in 2023-24), but also equalled a record in the late drama.

Having completed 323 passes so far at Euro 2024, Kroos has made the joint-most on record (since 1980) by a player in the group stage since himself at Euro 2016 (also 323).

Germany eventually had 18 shots, with Fullkrug picking out the top corner with the final one; the striker has scored 13 goals in just 19 international appearances, while his four as a substitute at major tournaments are more than any other European player.

Despite ultimately losing out on top spot, Switzerland have now gone unbeaten in their last four games against Die Mannschaft (W1 D3), with no nation currently enjoying a longer unbeaten streak against Germany (England and Spain both have ongoing runs of four).

Scotland 0-1 Hungary: Csoboth breaks Tartan Army's hearts

Meanwhile in Stuttgart, it was Hungary celebrating a late strike to seal a 1-0 victory that ensured an early exit for Scotland as they chased what would have been a landmark win.

Kevin Csoboth cemented his place in European Championship history with his counter-attacking finish as he netted the latest goal ever scored in the tournament's history (excluding extra time), timed at 99 minutes and 32 seconds.

Despite needing a win to finish third, Scotland failed to have a single shot on target in the game. In total, the Tartan Army had just 17 shots at Euro 2024 – since the group stage was introduced in 1980, it is the joint-fewest by a national team, along with Northern Ireland at Euro 2016.

Indeed, only twice at Euro 2024 has a team failed to manage a shot on target in the first half of a match and both have been Scotland (also on MD 1 against Germany).

Scotland pushed numbers forward for their last-minute corner with the hopes of reaching the knockout stage of the Euros for the first time, but instead will leave a major tournament group stage without a win for the sixth time (1954, 1958, 1986 and 1998 World Cups and Euro 2020 and 2024).

While looking down and out after failing to win either of their opening games, Hungary finally ended a run of eight games in the competition without a win, registering their first victory since beating Austria 2-0 at Euro 2016 – this was also their first clean sheet since that win.

Scotland are out of Euro 2024 but must have a case for the best support at the tournament, though that will be no consolation to Steve Clarke.

The Scots suffered a gut-wrenching late defeat to Hungary on Sunday, while Germany survived a scare to top Group A with a draw against Switzerland.

Numerous other sides are preparing for potentially decisive clashes in their final group meetings later in the week, with one or two enjoying the support of the travelling masses.

Others may be turning their heads away from football with a few friendly boardgames...

Here, we unpack the best of the day's social media clips from the tournament in Germany.

Flower of Scotland wilts in Stuttgart

Scotland are heading for home soil after Kevin Csoboth scored the latest goal in European Championship history (99 minutes and 32 seconds) to snatch a 1-0 win for Hungary.

The Tartan Army once again travelled in numbers, with their rendition of the Scottish national anthem hardly befitting of another disappointing performance on the pitch.

Scotland can, at least, celebrate boasting the best support at the tournament, though they will need to find an early flight or two now.

Poignant moment for Hungary

Hungary's last-gasp salvaging act against Scotland was somewhat marred by Barnabas Vargas' concerning head injury, with the striker leaving the pitch on a stretcher after a collision with goalkeeper Angus Gunn.

Vargas was in the thoughts of all his team-mates as full-time celebrations took place, with the Hungary players holding up his shirt to offer their well-wishes and a speedy recovery.

Can't start a fire...

The mood in the England camp may have been subdued after Thursday's disappointing draw with Denmark, but Phil Foden is certainly feeling the love from the Three Lions out in Germany.

Speaking on England's much-loved Lions' Den coverage on their social media, Foden even managed to get host Josh Denzel to sing his own chant, to the tune of Bruce Springsteen's 'Dancing in the Dark'.

Gareth Southgate will be hoping Foden can find the required spark when England wrap up their Group C campaign against Slovenia on Tuesday.

Party atmosphere builds in Germany

Julian Nagelsmann has offered the hosts a lot to celebrate as Germany continue to impress at this tournament – and their supporters were in a partying mood before kick-off against Switzerland.

UEFA's social media for Euro 2024 shared a video of the German faithful bouncing around in unison outside Frankfurt Arena, well over two hours before their final group kick-off.

That atmosphere will only have been somewhat muted after a 1-1 draw with Switzerland, though spare a thought for the saxophonist's lungs in the first place!

Silky skills from Europe's best

The European Championship brings together the best footballers from the continent – sorry, Erling Haaland and Norway – and with that comes ever-lasting memories, historic moments and dazzling skills.

From Cristiano Ronaldo chopping one way and another, Kevin De Bruyne's quick-thinking feet or the dancing Jeremy Doku – UEFA's official account had supporters covered with a montage of the best moves.

Oranje aiming for checkmate

The Netherlands will be hoping to secure a top-two spot in Group D when they meet Austria on Tuesday, but that is not the only competition the Oranje players have been concentrating on.

Fresh from impressing in Friday's goalless draw with France, Tijjani Reijnders was caught by the Netherlands' official X account gripped by a game of chess with Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken.

Much like the French midfield, Reijnders navigated his way through this match-up – Ronald Koeman will be hoping there is no checkmate for the Oranje in their final group game. 

La Roja loving life in Donaueschingen

Spain are already through as Group B winners with a game to spare, leaving La Roja with plenty of time for reflection and to feel the love of their travelling supporters.

Surrounded by the Spanish supporters at their training base in Donaueschingen, Alvaro Morata, Rodri and a host of familiar faces took the time to repay the efforts of their fans.

Italy touchdown in Leipzig

Flying around Germany for each group stage match, Italy touched down in Leipzig for their decisive meeting against Croatia.

The Azzurri shared a clip of their players arriving for their crucial Group B clash on Monday, though will Luciano Spalletti be jetting off for an early exit without victory?

Granit Xhaka says the extent of Germany's late celebrations means Switzerland can be proud of their performance after narrowly missing out on top spot in Group D.

Dan Ndoye's first international goal appeared to have Switzerland set for a famous victory on Sunday, only for Niclas Fullkrug to deliver a 92nd-minute leveller in Frankfurt.

That late intervention from the Germany substitute salvaged top spot for Julian Nagelsmann's hosts, though Switzerland also progressed through to the last 16 in second place at Euro 2024.

Xhaka believes his side can take confidence from the showing, with Germany scrambling at times and almost suffering an unlikely defeat.

"I think when you see the Germans celebrating, we can be proud of ourselves," Xhaka told reporters after the game. "It's not always easy against a team like that.

"Nevertheless, the late equaliser hurts. We said to ourselves that we have our own challenge. It started today.

"Of course, you have to compliment the opponent too. But above all, we have to be proud of ourselves.

"Everyone fought for each other and ran for each other. We always said that it had to be a very good day. We have to push ourselves to the limit. Then we can beat anyone."

Veteran midfielder Toni Kroos lavished praise on the Swiss but insists Germany performed well.

"It's clear that Switzerland are a good team," he said. "That's why I think we controlled it very well... In the second half, it got better.

"I think we improved in the second half. We played a little better there. But I'm totally satisfied with the team."

Germany captain Ilkay Gundogan was far less convincing in his praise as Nagelsmann's men missed the chance to make it three wins in as many group games.

"Of course, we would have liked to win the game and to play great football," the Barcelona midfielder said.

"But I think you also need games like that during a tournament. And that can also be a real strength for the next games, hopefully."

Germany will face second place in Group D in the last 16, while Switzerland's top-two finish sets up a meeting with the runners-up of Group B.

Niclas Fullkrug proved the last-gasp hero as Germany avoided a shock upset to top Group A at Euro 2024 after snatching a 1-1 draw with Switzerland on Sunday.

Dan Ndoye's first international goal seemed set to seal a famous win for Switzerland and ensure them top spot in Group A, but Germany's towering substitute stepped up in the dying seconds in Frankfurt.

Ruben Vargas thought he had doubled Switzerland's advantage late on, only to be denied by the offside flag, and that decision proved pivotal when Fullkrug headed in his 92nd-minute leveller.

That late intervention ensured Germany finished top of the group and will face second place in Group D in the last 16, while Switzerland's top-two finish sets up a meeting with the runners-up of Group B.

The host nation started brightly once again and thought they had taken another early lead when Florian Wirtz teed up Robert Andrich, who squeezed his shot past Yann Sommer into the near post.

However, the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder was denied his first international goal after a VAR check as Jamal Musiala was deemed to have fouled Michel Aebischer in the box during the build-up.

Nagelsmann's team instead found themselves behind for the first time in the tournament just before the half-hour mark after Ndoye crashed Remo Freuler's whipped cross past the helpless Manuel Neuer.

Just moments later, Ndoye offered Germany another scare, racing past Antonio Rudiger before fizzing an angled shot just wide of the far post. 

Nagelsmann's half-time message was clear as Musiala looked to make it three goals in three games with a powerful hit from the edge of the box, but Sommer was equal to the attempt.

Toni Kroos drilled a low shot wide under pressure before Kai Havertz glanced a header over the bar as Germany failed to find their clinical edge.

Joshua Kimmich had the best chance to equalise from close range in the 71st minute, but an incredible last-ditch block by Manuel Akanji denied him.

Vargas was left one-on-one with Neuer shortly after and slotted into the far corner, but the assistant referee was quick to flag for offside as Switzerland celebrations were short-lived.

Havertz's looping header bounced off the crossbar as Germany sought a response, which arrived when Fullkrug made his impact off the bench, thumping a header home from David Raum's left-sided delivery.

Neuer's record-breaking day salvaged by Fullkrug

Neuer had already made history in their opening game at Euro 2024 as he became Germany's outright top appearance maker at major tournaments, surpassing Philipp Lahm.

Now, on his 37th start for his country, only Cristiano Ronaldo (45) has played more games across the Euros and World Cup than him, while he has also made the most appearances among goalkeepers in the history of the competition (18, moving ahead of Gianluigi Buffon).

The 38-year-old could not mark a special day with a win, though, as Germany's long wait for a comeback victory when trailing at half-time stretched to 11 matches in the competition (D2 L9).

Their last such win came at Euro 1976 against Yugoslavia (2-0 down at half-time, won 4-2), but Neuer and Co. can at least celebrate top spot after late drama in Frankfurt.

Ndoye steps into the spotlight

Xherdan Shaqiri grabbed the headlines in Switzerland's 1-1 draw with Scotland last time out after scoring in a sixth consecutive major tournament, but with him on the bench on Sunday, the Red Crosses needed others to step up.

In his 14th start for the national side, Ndoye netted for the first time, becoming Switzerland's second-youngest goalscorer in the history of the Euros at 23 years and 242 days, after Johan Vonlanthen against France in 2004 (18y 141d).

Despite going off in the 65th minute, Ndoye had the most shots for Switzerland (two of their three), creating an expected goals tally of 0.52 as he proved their biggest threat.

Though Switzerland will rue their late concession, they are now unbeaten in their last four meetings with Germany – a promising sign as the last-16 awaits.

Julian Nagelsmann wants his Germany team to stay perfect as they aim to top Group A at Euro 2024.

The hosts secured qualification for the last 16 by dispatching Hungary 2-0 last time out, following on from their 5-1 demolition of Scotland.

Their final group match sees them take on Switzerland, who are two points behind in second place, meaning a defeat for Germany on Sunday would see the Swiss top the group.

That is a scenario that Nagelsmann is desperate to avoid, as he confirmed there will be few changes to his line-up, despite Germany's progress having been assured.

"Top spot is important. We want to win all our matches," Nagelsmann said.

"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.

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

Germany's match with the Swiss will take place in Frankfurt, where England and Denmark played on Thursday, with both sides struggling with how the pitch chopped up.

Deniz Undav, however, says teams simply have to adapt to the surfaces.

"There a still a few days left, so maybe the pitch will improve until then," said the forward.

"But you have to be able to adapt to the conditions. We want to win on Sunday. So, whether we play on grass or stones, we have to win."

Switzerland's Xherdan Shaqiri, meanwhile, knows his team must expect the sternest of challenges.

"We know we are now up against a team that is of a different calibre with their super attack and the euphoria [as hosts]," he said.

"But we are going into the game with confidence and look forward to it. Obviously, we want to trouble the Germans."

Opta's supercomputer makes Germany favourites to win the group, with a 77% likelihood the hosts finish top.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Switzerland - Xherdan Shaqiri

Only Cristiano Ronaldo has scored in more major international tournaments than Switzerland forward Shaqiri, who has now netted at each of the last six such tournaments since and including the 2014 World Cup.

In fact, Shaqiri is the only European player to have scored at the last six major tournaments.

Germany - Jamal Musiala

Musiala is aiming to become the first Germany player to score in each of his nation's opening three games at a major tournament since Miroslav Klose at the 2002 World Cup, and the first ever to do so at the European Championship.

Aged 21 years and 118 days when this game is played, he would be the second-youngest player ever to do so for any nation, behind only Peru's Teofilo Cubillas (21y 94d) at the 1970 World Cup.  

MATCH PREDICTION: GERMANY WIN

This will be Switzerland and Germany's first encounter at a major tournament since the 1966 World Cup; West Germany beat Switzerland 5-0 in the group stages. They also met in the 1938 and 1962 World Cups.

Germany have won each of their last three games at major international tournaments by 2+ goals (4-2 v Costa Rica, 5-1 v Scotland, 2-0 v Hungary) with the Netherlands at the 1974 World Cup the last nation to record four such victories in a row.

They are aiming to become the third host nation to win all three of their group stage games at a single edition of the European Championship after the Netherlands in 2000 and France in 1984.

Meanwhile, they would be the first host team to do so at a major international tournament since the Germans themselves at the 2006 World Cup (Excluding Euro 2020 - 11 host nations).

However, Switzerland are unbeaten in their last three matches against Germany (W1 D2), with those three matches producing 16 goals, an average of 5.3 per game. The Swiss had lost 16 of their previous 18 matches against the Germans (D2), so they should certainly not be discounted.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Switzerland - 23.5%

Germany - 52.3%

Draw - 24.2%

Day six at Euro 2024 brought more thrills and spills on the pitch, with Albania sealing a last-gasp draw against Croatia and Germany booking their place in the last 16 by beating Hungary.

Scotland, meanwhile, kept their hopes of progressing from Group A alive by earning a creditable 1-1 draw with Switzerland in the late kick-off.

There was also plenty going on outside the games, from the Tartan Army painting Cologne blue to Kylian Mbappe getting out on the turf two days after breaking his nose.

Here, we run through the best of Wednesday's social media posts from around Euro 2024.

Cologne turns blue for Scotland

One noticeable theme of this tournament has been the colour and noise brought by huge contingents of travelling fans, and an estimated 100,000 Scotland supporters brought the fun to Cologne on Wednesday.

"No Scotland, no party" was ringing around Munich last week, and on Wednesday, it was Cologne's near-800-year-old cathedral that played host to the Tartan Army.

#effzeh pic.twitter.com/R0fFFUnyEs

— 1. FC Cologne (@fckoeln_en) June 19, 2024

Those with tickets were then treated to a spirited performance as Steve Clarke's side went ahead through Scott McTominay, and they were arguably unfortunate not to win as they finished the game strongly after Xherdan Shaqiri's fine equaliser.

Cheesy humour from Swiss fan 

One Switzerland fan, meanwhile, took culinary inspiration for his outfit at the RheinEnergieStadion.

Fortunately for him, Murat Yakin's defence had fewer holes than the Swiss cheese he paid homage to, and they are now all-but guaranteed to make the knockout stages.

Hosts on the march

Germany strode into the last 16 of the tournament on Wednesday, a 2-0 victory over Hungary ensuring a top-two finish in Group A.

It's fair to say their performances have gripped the imagination of the German public, with Wednesday's fan march to the Stuttgart Arena a particularly impressive sight.

If Julian Nagelsmann's team can maintain their performance levels, they may just find themselves marching to the Olympiastadion on July 14...

Mbappe out on the grass 

It has only been two days since France captain Mbappe broke his nose in a nasty collision with Austria's Kevin Danso, but the forward is in no mood to rest.

He was out on the training pitch on Wednesday as Les Bleus prepare for Friday's clash with the Netherlands, wearing strapping across his nose.

His participation in that match remains in doubt, and a protective mask will be required for him to return to competitive action, but the sight of him going through his paces will have encouraged France's fans.

Cruyff turn celebrates big Five-O

France's next opponents also had something to celebrate on Wednesday, as it represented the 50th anniversary of Johan Cruyff first wheeling out his signature turn.

The Cruyff turn was born on this day in 1974, the Oranje legend having first performed the move on June 19, 1974, in a World Cup group-stage match against Sweden. 

Jan Olsson, the unfortunate defender on the receiving end of the move, probably remains bamboozled half a century on.

Gallagher in the hot seat

It was Conor Gallagher's turn to take part in England's diary room series on X, with the Chelsea midfielder discussing what he and his team-mates get up to on days off.

He then attempted to match a series of dogs with the Three Lions stars they belong to, posting a pretty good success rate.

The episode began, however, with Gallagher failing to prevent a Jenga set from crashing down around him. England will hope that is not a metaphor for their campaign...  

Memorable day for Gjasula

It initially looked like Wednesday would be a day to remember for all the wrong reasons for Klaus Gjasula. 

Having come off the bench with Albania 1-0 up against Croatia after 72 minutes, Gjasula saw Andrej Kramaric equalise before putting through his own net, all within just four minutes.

However, the midfielder – who plays his club football in Germany with Darmstadt – was in the right place at the right time to level five minutes into stoppage time.

His post-match Instagram post summed up how much it meant to him and his team-mates.

Matchday two in the Euro 2024 group stage began on Wednesday, with hosts Germany headlining another dramatic day of action.

Julian Nagelsmann's hosts became the first team to book their spot in the last 16, but they were pushed far closer by Hungary than they were by Scotland last Friday.

Scotland themselves stopped the rot with a 1-1 draw against Switzerland, though things could have been even better for the Tartan Army had Xherdan Shaqiri's stunning goal not cancelled out Scott McTominay's opener.

In Group B, meanwhile, Croatia and Albania served up another classic, with a 2-2 draw leaving the 2022 World Cup bronze medallists on the brink of an early exit.

But what were the standout stats to emerge from day six at the Euros? 

Croatia 2-2 Albania: Gjasula makes history at either end

The early kick-off slot at this tournament has quickly become a fan favourite, and Wednesday's edition will certainly have converted a few more viewers.

Croatia were set for a comeback win when Andrej Kramaric's strike and Klaus Gjasula's own goal flipped the match on its head, after Qazim Laci had put Albania ahead. 

There were just 147 seconds between the two Croatia goals deep into the second half, with Kramaric celebrating his 33rd birthday with a composed finish. He is the third player to score at the Euros on his birthday, after Jean-Francois Domergue in 1984 and Wesley Sneijder in 2008.

However, Gjasula went from villain to hero five minutes into stoppage time, snatching a famous draw for Albania by slotting a cool finish past Dominik Livakovic. Having come on in the 72nd minute, he is the first substitute to ever score a goal and an own goal in the same Euros match. 

He is only the second player to do so overall, after Anton Ondrus for Czechoslovakia against the Netherlands at the 1976 tournament. 

Being officially timed at 94 minutes and 23 seconds, his goal was also the latest equaliser ever recorded at the European Championships (excluding extra time).

The result leaves Croatia likely needing to defeat Italy in their final game to have any chance of progressing, meaning Luka Modric and company are facing up to the prospect of a humiliating exit just 18 months after getting on the podium in Qatar.

Modric started his 15th Euros game on Wednesday, with Andres Iniesta (16) the only midfielder to ever record more. 

At 38 years and 284 days, he became the oldest player on record (since 1980) to record 100 or more passes in a Euros match (108), while he already held the same record (since 1966) at the World Cup (105 versus Brazil in 2022, 37 years and 91 days).

Germany 2-0 Hungary: Musiala second only to Bene 

Wednesday's second game gave us our first qualifiers for the last 16, with Germany clinching a 2-0 victory over Hungary to make it two wins from two matches, courtesy of goals from Jamal Musiala and Ilkay Gundogan.

Musiala's opener – a powerful finish off the crossbar following tireless work from Gundogan – made him the youngest player to score in a nation's first two group games at a single European Championship. He is also the first player to net in Germany's first two matches at the tournament since Mario Gomez in 2012.

At the age of 21 years and 114 days, he became the second-youngest player to score on his first two European Championship starts, after Hungary legend Ferenc Bene in 1964 (19 years, 186 days).

Having assisted Musiala's goal, Gundogan later got one of his own to give Germany daylight. He both scored and assisted in the same match for his country for the first time since October 2019, when he scored two goals and registered one assist in a Euro 2020 qualifier versus Estonia. 

Things were not straightforward for Germany, though, as Hungary fired off 11 shots, with Roland Sallai and Barnabas Varga guilty of spurning particularly good opportunities.

It is the most shots Germany have faced at a Euros match since the Netherlands recorded 14 against them in 2012, but Manuel Neuer stood firm as Hungary failed to score for the first time in their last 13 matches.

Despite Hungary giving a decent account of themselves, Toni Kroos produced another metronomic performance in the middle of the park, completing 124 passes.

That is the second-most on record by a midfielder in a Euros match, after Xavi completed 127 for Spain against the Republic of Ireland in 2012. Kroos' 47 line-breaking passes were at least 30 more than any other player on the pitch. 

Scotland 1-1 Switzerland: Shaqiri out on his own

The final game of the day saw Scotland bounce back from their 5-1 defeat to Germany, and boost their hopes of reaching the last 16, with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Switzerland. 

Steve Clarke's side had the upper hand after 13 minutes, as McTominay's shot was deflected past Yann Sommer by Fabian Schar. This is now the first edition of the Euros to feature more than one Scotland goal since the 1992 tournament (three).

They couldn't hold on, though, as Shaqiri came up with a magical long-range finish into the top-left corner just 13 minutes later, giving Angus Gunn no chance.

Including Euro 2024, the former Bayern Munich and Liverpool man is the only European player to have scored at each of the last six major tournaments, dating back to a hat-trick against Honduras at the 2014 World Cup – his first tournament goals.

He now has 10 goals at major tournaments, while this is the seventh edition of the World Cup/Euros he has appeared at, the most of any Swiss player. His 10 tournament goals are evenly split between the World Cup and the Euros, making him one of just seven players with five or more goals at each. 

He is in good company, with Michel Platini, Jurgen Klinsmann, Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry, Cristiano Ronaldo and Romelu Lukaku the others on that list.

Despite Shaqiri's big moment, Scotland claimed a valuable point, meaning a victory over Hungary in their final group game will almost certainly seal qualification for the last 16, even if they are unlikely to finish higher than third.

They might wish they could face the Swiss again, having avoided defeat in six of their last seven competitive games against them (two wins, four draws), also remaining unbeaten in two meetings at major tournaments (one win, one draw).

They have now taken 44 per cent of their all-time group-stage points at the Euros (four of nine) against Switzerland.