Germany Earns Comeback Win Over Switzerland as Dutch Edge Norway 2-1 in Pre-World Cup Friendlies
Germany’s national football team showcased resilience in a thrilling 4-3 victory over Switzerland in a friendly match held on Friday. The match, which took place as both teams prepare for the upcoming World Cup, saw German forward Florian Wirtz shine with two goals and two assists.
Wirtz Leads Germany to Victory
Florian Wirtz, 22, played a pivotal role in Germany’s comeback, scoring the decisive goal in the 86th minute. His first goal came just after the hour mark, a stunning curled effort from 18 meters that put Germany ahead 3-2. Wirtz’s performance marked a significant turnaround, especially considering he missed the 2022 World Cup due to injury and has struggled for form in his debut season at Liverpool.
Germany’s World Cup Group E includes Ecuador, Curacao, and Ivory Coast, while Switzerland will compete in Group B alongside Qatar, co-hosts Canada, and a playoff winner.
Netherlands Edges Norway
In another friendly, the Netherlands managed a 2-1 comeback victory against Norway at the Amsterdam Arena. Norway initially took the lead in the 24th minute through Andreas Schjelderup, but Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk equalized ten minutes before halftime. Tijjani Reijnders scored the winner for the Netherlands in the 51st minute, securing a crucial win as they prepare for the World Cup.
The Netherlands is drawn in Group F, facing Japan, Tunisia, and either Poland or Sweden, while Norway will compete in Group I with France, Senegal, and either Bolivia or Iraq.
Spain Dominates Serbia
Spain also had a successful outing, defeating Serbia 3-0 in a pre-World Cup friendly. Striker Mikel Oyarzabal netted two goals in the first half, while substitute Victor Munoz scored on his senior international debut. Spain will kick off their World Cup campaign in Group H against Cape Verde on June 15, followed by matches against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.
England’s Mixed Results
England faced Uruguay in a scrappy friendly that ended in a 1-1 draw. Ben White made headlines by scoring his first international goal but was met with boos from the home crowd. Federico Valverde equalized for Uruguay with a stoppage-time penalty, marking only the second time England has failed to win under coach Thomas Tuchel.
White’s return to the national team came after a period of self-imposed exile following the 2022 World Cup. Despite the mixed reception, he managed to score in the 81st minute, tapping in at the back post. However, his night took a turn when he was penalized for a foul in the area, leading to Valverde’s equalizer.
With key players like Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Jude Bellingham absent, it was an opportunity for fringe players to make their case for a spot on the World Cup roster. Harry Maguire made his first appearance for England in 18 months, while Fikayo Tomori returned to international action for the first time since 2023.
Final Thoughts
The friendly matches served as crucial preparation for the upcoming World Cup, allowing teams to assess their squads and strategies. As the tournament approaches, each nation will look to build momentum and finalize their rosters.
As reported by www.arnnewscentre.ae.
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Published on 2026-03-28 04:25:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk