Frankfurt, June 22: Germany goes for a third straight win in Group A against a Switzerland team that also is unbeaten. Germany has advanced to the knockout stage, and Switzerland is sure to confirm its place Sunday.
Both teams impressed in their first games: Germany routed Scotland 5-1 and Switzerland beat Hungary 3-1. Germany sustained its form by beating Hungary 2-0, the Swiss less so in a 1-1 draw with Scotland.
Germany has already reached the round of 16 and with just a draw will finish top of Group A. That would send Germany to Dortmund for a knockout game next Saturday against the runner-up of Group C, which is currently Denmark.Switzerland will top the group if it wins. That would send Germany to Berlin to play the runner-up in Group B, which likely will be Italy or Croatia.Only freakish results could drop Switzerland to third place in the standings.
The Swiss start Sunday three points ahead of Scotland, which plays Hungary at 9 pm local time in Stuttgart. Switzerland has a huge goal-difference advantage over Scotland.The rain-soaked Frankfurt field has been a problem, even with a stadium roof that has been closed to protect the turf from the worst of persistent downpours this week.Germany had a full squad of 26 players in training Saturday morning. Kickoff at 12:30 am IST. (AP)
