Wonderful Wirtz shines in Germany's win over Switzerland

Goals galore in end-to-end first-half Germany’s first couple of chances arrived in quick succession around the 15th minute. In his first game for the national team since the end of 2024, Kai Havertz had the first opportunity before Mainz’s captain Silvan Widmer denied Serge Gnabry. Similarly, Switzerland had a couple of efforts within a few seconds in an exciting start to the game.

Widmer was unable to open the scoring, but Dan Ndoye succeeded following a solo run and a near-post finish. Nico Schlotterbeck’s misplaced pass invited the hosts, although the Nottingham Forest winger had a lot to do to score in successive appearances for the Swiss national team. Oliver Baumann could have done better, but Gregor Kobel also conceded from a shot closer to him in an enthralling start to the game.

Manuel Akanji made a superb interception to block Havertz from reaching Joshua Kimmich’s inviting cross, but the resulting corner-kick tied the game. Jonathan Tah headed his first international goal from another dangerous cross to the box, this time from Florian Wirtz. Havertz helped his case to be the starting striker for Germany in the World Cup with a lively performance, as Kobel had to make another save from the Arsenal ace before his attempt from a narrow angle missed the target.

However, it was one of Switzerland’s best players of the half who created the next goal of the game with a pinpoint delivery. Ex-Bundesliga striker Breel Embolo continued his fine form for Switzerland as he headed home from close range from Widmer’s cross. With Germany fully committed to finding an equalizer before half-time, Augsburg’s Fabian Rieder was only denied by the crossbar from extending Switzerland’s lead with a trademark shot.