The anticipation for the UEFA EURO 2024 was palpable, especially with Germany being the host nation. The clash between Germany and Hungary on June 20, 2024, was highly anticipated, especially after Germany’s dominant performance against Scotland. The match, held in Stuttgart, did not disappoint as Germany secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over Hungary, ensuring their progression to the knockout stages of the tournament. The “Germany vs Hungary” match was a testament to Germany’s prowess and tactical superiority, marking a significant milestone in their EURO 2024 campaign.
Match Statistics | Germany vs Hungary
Germany:
- Yellow Cards: 2
- Corner Kicks: 11
- Total Shots: 20
- Shots on Target: 6
- Ball Possession: 63%
- Goals Scored: 2
Hungary:
- Yellow Cards: 2
- Corner Kicks: 7
- Total Shots: 8
- Shots on Target: 1
- Ball Possession: 37%
- Goals Conceded: 2
First Half: Germany Takes the Lead
Musiala’s Opening Goal
The first half of the “Germany vs Hungary” match saw both teams starting cautiously, feeling each other out. However, it was Germany who struck first, breaking the deadlock in the 22nd minute. Jamal Musiala, showcasing his exceptional talent, blasted the ball into the net from close range. This goal made Musiala the first player to score more than once in this EURO, having already scored against Scotland. His ability to find space and his clinical finishing gave Germany the early advantage they needed.
Neuer’s Crucial Save
Hungary, not to be outdone, responded with vigor. Dominik Szoboszlai, one of Hungary’s standout players, nearly equalized with a beautifully curled free-kick. Manuel Neuer, making his 17th EURO appearance, was up to the task. In the 26th minute, Neuer dived to his right and tipped Szoboszlai’s effort away, keeping Germany’s lead intact. This save was crucial in maintaining Germany’s momentum and keeping Hungary at bay.
Second Half: Sealing the Victory
Kroos and Varga’s Near Misses
The second half of the “Germany vs Hungary” match continued with high intensity. Germany looked to double their lead, and ten minutes into the half, Toni Kroos came close. His deflected shot was expertly saved by Péter Gulácsi, Hungary’s reliable goalkeeper. This save kept Hungary’s hopes alive momentarily.
Hungary also had their opportunities to level the score. In the 60th minute, Barnabás Varga headed over the bar from a promising position, a miss that would haunt Hungary as they struggled to break through Germany’s defense.
Gündoğan’s Decisive Goal
Germany’s persistence paid off in the 67th minute. Maximilian Mittelstädt delivered a low cross into the box, which İlkay Gündoğan coolly finished, doubling Germany’s lead. Gündoğan’s goal effectively sealed the match, ensuring Germany’s progression to the knockout stages as the first team to do so. His performance, both in providing an assist for the first goal and scoring the second, earned him the Vivo Player of the Match award.
Tactical Mastery by Germany
Julian Nagelsmann’s tactical acumen was evident throughout the match. Germany maintained possession, controlled the midfield, and created numerous scoring opportunities. Their defensive solidity was also commendable, as they kept their first clean sheet in eight EURO matches. The “Germany vs Hungary” match highlighted Germany’s ability to adapt and overcome different challenges posed by their opponents.
Key Stats from the Match
Several key statistics emerged from the “Germany vs Hungary” encounter:
- Germany’s Dominance: Germany has lost only one of their last 12 EURO group stage matches, with nine wins and two draws, showcasing their consistency at this level.
- Clean Sheet: This match marked Germany’s first clean sheet in eight EURO matches, a significant achievement for their defense.
- Goal Scoring Prowess: With a total of seven goals scored in the group stage so far, Germany has already surpassed their highest tally in a EURO group stage, set at EURO 2020, with one game to spare.
- Neuer’s Record: Manuel Neuer’s 17th EURO appearance brought him level with Gianluigi Buffon’s goalkeeping record. Should he play against Switzerland, he will tie Bastian Schweinsteiger’s all-time record for Germany.
- Hungary’s Struggles: Hungary has not won in eight EURO matches, dating back to their 2-0 victory against Austria in their opening fixture of EURO 2016. They have kept only one clean sheet in their last 13 EURO matches.
Line-ups and Player Performances
Germany’s Line-up
Germany’s starting eleven for the “Germany vs Hungary” match included:
- Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer
- Defenders: Joshua Kimmich, Antonio Rüdiger, Jonathan Tah, Maximilian Mittelstädt
- Midfielders: Robert Andrich (replaced by Emre Can in the 72nd minute), Toni Kroos
- Attackers: Jamal Musiala (replaced by Chris Führich in the 72nd minute), İlkay Gündoğan (replaced by Deniz Undav in the 84th minute), Florian Wirtz (replaced by Leroy Sané in the 58th minute), Kai Havertz (replaced by Niclas Füllkrug in the 58th minute)
Hungary’s Line-up
Hungary’s starting eleven included:
- Goalkeeper: Péter Gulácsi
- Defenders: Attila Fiola, Willi Orbán, Márton Dárdai
- Midfielders: Bendegúz Bolla (replaced by András Schäfer in the 64th minute), Ádám Nagy (replaced by László Kleinheisler in the 64th minute), Zsolt Nagy (replaced by Milos Kerkez in the 75th minute), Dominik Szoboszlai
- Attackers: Roland Sallai (replaced by János Csoboth in the 87th minute), Barnabás Varga (replaced by Dániel Gazdag in the 87th minute)
Match Analysis
The “Germany vs Hungary” match was a clear demonstration of Germany’s depth and versatility. Despite Hungary’s efforts to contain them with a low block, Germany’s persistent attacks and tactical switches eventually wore down the Hungarian defense. Nagelsmann’s substitutions were timely and effective, providing fresh legs and maintaining the team’s high intensity throughout the match.
Hungary, on the other hand, showed resilience and had their moments, particularly through Szoboszlai and Varga. However, their inability to capitalize on key opportunities and Germany’s defensive solidity proved too much to overcome. Hungary’s lack of a cutting edge in the final third was evident, and they will need to address this if they hope to progress further in the tournament.
Group A Standings
- Germany: 1 win, 0 draws, 0 losses, +4 goal difference (3 points)
- Switzerland: 1 win, 0 draws, 0 losses, +2 goal difference (3 points)
- Hungary: 0 wins, 0 draws, 1 loss, -2 goal difference (0 points)
- Scotland: 0 wins, 0 draws, 1 loss, -4 goal difference (0 points)
Conclusion | Germany vs Hungary
The “Germany vs Hungary” match on June 20, 2024, was a pivotal encounter in UEFA EURO 2024. Germany’s 2-0 victory, courtesy of goals from Jamal Musiala and İlkay Gündoğan, ensured their place in the knockout stages, making them the first team to achieve this feat in the tournament. The match highlighted Germany’s tactical superiority, depth in squad, and defensive resilience. For Hungary, the match underscored the challenges they face in advancing to the later stages of the competition. As EURO 2024 progresses, Germany will look to build on this momentum, while Hungary will aim to regroup and improve their performance in the remaining fixtures.
