Florian Wirtz Shines As Germany Overcome Switzerland 4-3 In Basel Friendly

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Germany extended a growing winning streak to six matches after a 4-3 victory over Switzerland in a high-scoring friendly in Basel. Florian Wirtz led the way with two goals and two assists. Switzerland held the lead twice, then later equalised again, before Germany finally closed out a tense contest.

Wirtz produced the decisive moments in both halves as Germany overturned several setbacks. The midfielder’s curling strike over Gregor Kobel in the 61st minute gave Germany a first lead. Later, Wirtz delivered another precise finish in the 85th minute, again picking out the same corner to settle the result.

Germany showed sustained attacking intent throughout the match and created far more chances than Switzerland. Julian Nagelsmann’s side attempted 22 shots compared to seven from the hosts. Germany also led the expected goals numbers, recording 2.5 xG against Switzerland’s 0.57 xG, underlining the pressure on Gregor Kobel’s goal.

Switzerland still caused serious problems in the first half and moved ahead twice. Dan Ndoye scored the opening goal after a driving run inside from the left flank, finishing at the near post past Oliver Baumann. Later, Breel Embolo overpowered Jonathan Tah to convert Silvan Widmer’s cross and restore Switzerland’s advantage.

Germany responded to each early setback with composed finishing linked to Wirtz’s creativity. Jonathan Tah first made amends by heading in at the back post from a Wirtz cross. Just before half-time, Wirtz split the defence again, sending Serge Gnabry clear to lift a calm chip over Kobel for 2-2.

The second half brought more drama as both benches influenced the match. After Wirtz’s first goal put Germany 3-2 up, substitute Joel Monteiro came on for Young Boys and struck from distance. Monteiro’s powerful 79th-minute drive flew beyond Baumann, briefly restoring parity for Switzerland at 3-3.

Germany quickly answered that setback through another composed move down the right. Pascal Gross worked space on the flank for Nagelsmann’s team and supplied Wirtz. The midfielder controlled and picked out the same corner once more in the 85th minute, giving Germany the final and decisive 4-3 lead.

There were further turning points that could have shifted the friendly away from Germany. Early on, Kobel denied Kai Havertz with a strong save in the 14th minute. Switzerland also went very close when Fabian Rieder struck the crossbar, which would have extended their lead before Gnabry’s equaliser.

Germany vs Switzerland friendly: Wirtz form and wider context

Wirtz’s international displays contrast with a modest first Premier League season with Liverpool. Wirtz has recorded four goals and two assists in 27 league appearances. Across the last two games for Germany, Wirtz has matched that output, with two goals and four assists, including two assists against Slovakia in November.

The friendly win also broke a difficult recent run for Germany against Switzerland. Germany had not beaten Switzerland in the previous four meetings, recording three draws and one defeat. Ending that sequence with a 4-3 away victory, while controlling most of the shooting numbers, offered Nagelsmann further evidence of progress.