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
FRANKFURT, Germany (Reuters) - Niclas Fuellkrug's goal in second-half stoppage time to snatch a 1-1 draw for Germany against Switzerland at Euro 2024 was celebrated wildly by his team mates, who each pocketed a 50,000 euro bonus for topping their group, German media reported on Monday.
The hosts were a goal down to Switzerland in their last Group A game on Sunday, a result that would have seen the Swiss top the group and the Germans finish in second spot. But Fuellkrug's late towering header reversed those positions, securing the sizeable bonus, with the promise of more to come.
Several media outlets close to the German FA (DFB) reported on Monday that the players would have received no bonus had they qualified in second place. They now stand to earn 100,000 euros if they win in the last 16, another 150,000 euros if they make the semi-finals, and 250,000 euros should they make the final.
Needless to say, Fuellkrug, who has scored 13 goals in 19 appearances since making his international debut at the age of 29, would prefer to win the whole tournament - and pocket a cool 400,000 euros each in the process, according to reports.
(Reporting by Philip O'Connor; Additional reporting by Alexander Ratz; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
