THERE were late goals with huge implications in both matches in Group A tonight at the Euro 2024 European Championship as hosts Germany drew 1-1 with Switzerland and Hungary defeated Scotland 1-0.
Germany trailed Switzerland in Frankfurt up until the end of regulation time after Dan Ndoye’s 28th minute strike but the hosts equalised two minutes into stoppage time with substitute Niklas Fullkrug’s second goal of the tournament.
Fullkrug’s fine headed goal completely changed the complexion of the group as Germany took top spot with seven points and Switzerland ended up in second place with five, although both are through to the round of 16.
Hungary’s winning goal in Stuttgart came even later, with Kevin Csoboth, who came on in the 86th minute, scoring in the 10th minute of stoppage time with virtually the last kick of the game.
There was a big chunk of added time because of the lengthy stoppage to tend to the injured Barnabas Vargas, who was stretchered off in the 74th minute.
Vargas appeared unconscious when he was being taken off but he was said to be in good condition at the hospital and the news of the late goal would cheer him up.
With the latest regulation time goal in European Championship history, Hungary gave themselves a lifeline as they could squeeze through to the round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams with three points.
Scotland finished bottom of the group with one point and were eliminated.
As Group A winners, Germany will face the runners-up of Group C, which could be Denmark or Albania, while Switzerland will battle the runners-up of Group B, which could be any of Italy, Albania or Croatia.
