In downtown Frankfurt, thousands of German and Swiss fans stroll peacefully around the Main, a few hours before kick-off on 3e group match. The atmosphere is festive and nothing but festive. The tension must be found in Stuttgart, in the “do or die” which opposes the Scots and the Hungarians, for the 3e place in group A, potentially qualifying.
In Frankfurt, Switzerland and Germany are preparing to compete in a match for honor, for 1D place in the ranking. Can the “small” Swiss selection mishandle the “big” Mannschaft? Daring to ask the question is exposing yourself to little condescending smiles. No, German supporters do not believe for a second in such a scenario… Perhaps they have forgotten a certain episode, at the end of June 2021, when many French people made more or less the same remarks, before living a terrible disillusionment?
“I am now convinced that we will be European champions!”
The situation, however, is not comparable. The match, much less important. And if the lyrics are full of confidence, all the better. So much the better for this Mannschaft, which, before its home tournament, did not really reassure the population. Football moves quickly, very quickly: “I am now convinced that we will be European champions!” says Franz, in cycling clothes, on a terrace by the river. His neighbor, Gerard, returned with four pints, placed them in front of his comrades and inquired about the reason for our exchange. And to estimate: “It is by far not perfect yet, but we still have the opportunity to gain strength. We’ve always been a tournament team, we’re going to get better. The defense is holding up perfectly, we have a captain, Gündogan, who pulls everyone forward and the coach, Nagelsmann, is very competent. There is everything to do well.”
“Along with Austria, Switzerland is my secret favorite!”
And above all, do not sell the bear’s skin before killing it. Starting with the duel against the little neighbor. “There are great players in this Swiss team,” continues Hanspeter, in his fifties. I love Xhaka and Shaqiri. I also find that Murat Yakin is a good coach. Along with Austria, Switzerland is my secret favorite!” From there to beating Germany to take the lead in the group? “Oh no, not at all! But I can see a draw. Come on, I’ll say 1-1.”
For Hanspeter and his acolytes, as for Fabian and Julian, met near the fanzone, Germany reassured during its first two outings, from there to reviving sweet hopes of a title. “Frankly, before the start of the tournament, not many people, even here, were banking on it. Of course, we thought we could beat Scotland and Hungary, but the manner surprised us and in a good way, even very well.” Fabian’s words: “I didn’t trust them before the tournament. Now I feel that stopping before the semi-finals would be a resounding failure.” He adds: “I feared England, I feared France and having seen them play, I tell myself that we are much better.”
Trust, trust. With seven goals scored and just one conceded, Germany is close to flawless. Will the fans display the same confidence in a few hours, when the final whistle of the match against the Swiss is blown?
The different scenarios
Switzerland wins against Germany.
She will be automatically qualified for the round of 16, finishing 1stD of his group. The simplest, right? The duel would take place in Dortmund, on June 29 at 6 p.m., against 2e from Group C (England, Denmark, Slovenia, Serbia).
Switzerland draws
With five points, she secures her 2e place and an 8e final on June 29, also, at 9 p.m. in Berlin. She would face the 2e from group B (Spain, Italy, Albania, Croatia).
Switzerland loses its last match.
With 4 points, Switzerland can finish 2eif Scotland does not win their duel against Hungary, or 3e, if Scotland recovers the 6 goals behind Switzerland. For Switzerland to be overtaken, they would have to lose something like 4-0 and Scotland would have to win 3-0. For example. This seems improbable. And even if that happens, Switzerland should pass as best 3e.
