They all jumped for the ball in a frantic late push for the goal that would save Germany from its first loss at the European Championship, against an impressive Switzerland team.
Defender Nico Schlotterbeck leaped up, next to the even more imposing center-back Antonio Rdiger, who reached highest of all. In front of them both was substitute Niclas Fllkrug.
The German trio was circled by three Swiss opponents trying to protect a 1-0 lead two minutes into stoppage time. Six pairs of feet off the ground in unison, straining to be the one to head the ball.
It was Fllkrug who won the contest, guiding the ball crossed from another substitute David Raum back across Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer into the top corner of the net. The match ended 1-1.
We risked a lot in this phase because we could have conceded a second goal, Germany coach Julian Nagelesmann said about throwing his defenders into attack. "Who doesn't dare to risk, doesn't get to draw.
Germany had already advanced to the r
