Soccer-Fuellkrug wins public vote to start for Germany in last 16

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Euro 2024 - Group A - Switzerland v Germany - Frankfurt, Germany - June 23, 2024 Germany's Niclas Fullkrug reacts after the match REUTERS/Thilo Schmuelgen/File Photo

By Nick Said

FRANKFURT, Germany (Reuters) - The people have spoken and it is not good news for Germany striker Kai Havertz, who faces a battle to hold on to his starting place in their European Championship last-16 tie on Saturday with rival Niclas Fuellkrug among the goals.

German newspaper Bild ran a poll of who should start between misfiring forward Havertz and Fuellkrug, who has come off the bench to score twice for the tournament hosts, including a last-gasp equaliser against Switzerland on Sunday.

With more than 160,000 votes cast, 90% of fans are in favour of Fuellkrug, a clear message to coach Julian Nagelsmann.

A quick look at the numbers paints its own picture. No player has had more attempts on goal in the tournament than Havertz, but from his 10 shots, he has only a penalty against Scotland to show for his efforts.

Fuellkrug is less mobile than the Arsenal forward, but big, strong and good in the air. He has two goals from his three attempts at Euro 2024, can hold up the ball and bring Germany’s array of skilful attacking midfielders and wingers into the play.

"Fuellkrug has a chance to start, but Kai has the same chances," Nagelsmann told reporters, though he will wait to see who their last-16 opponents are before making a decision.

Germany will face the runners-up in Group C, to be decided later on Tuesday, a position currently held by Denmark.

"Kai had three good chances (against Switzerland), and he was annoyed that he didn't take two. He still played a good game.

"Fuellkrug provides arguments for both things. To continue to act as a substitute because he does it really well. Or to play from the start. It is both a joy and a sorrow for him that he fulfils the (substitute) role well."

Borussia Dortmund forward Fuellkrug, 31, was a late-comer to international football having made his debut in 2022. He has netted 13 goals in 19 internationals, six as a starter, and averages a goal every 57 minutes in a Germany shirt.

Havertz debuted for the national team in 2018 and has 17 goals in 49 games, one every 182 minutes.

Germany won two games and drew one in the group phase extending their unbeaten run to seven matches dating back to November.

(Reporting by Nick Said, editing by Ed Osmond)