Germany’s Julian Nagelsmann has kept faith with the same team that demolished Scotland on opening night, but Hungary under the leadership of RB Leipzig’s Willi Orban is providing much stiffer opposition than expected.
Roland Sallai nearly headed a free-kick goalwards but it was disallowed for being offside – another indication of Hungary’s lethality from set pieces.
Overview
The Germany national football team represents Germany in international competition. Over its history, this side has won four World Cups and been recognized as one of the greatest teams ever. Based in Munich and playing its home matches at Allianz Arena.
Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, defenders Joachim Low and Antonio Rudiger, midfielders Toni Kroos and Ilkay Gundogan are among Germany’s most notable players on their national football team. Julian Nagelsmann currently leads them.
Germany will advance to the next round, but may drop out of first place in their group if they lose to Hungary. Julian Nagelsmann may be tempted to rest key players for health reasons but this would risk their chance at winning the whole tournament. Jonathan Tah is back from suspension while David Raum and Florian Wirtz vie for left-back spots; Leroy Sane should join Ilkay Gundogan and Jamal Musiala as midfielders.
Team Lineups
Julian Nagelsmann will likely retain much of the same side that dismantled Scotland 5-1 on the opening night of Euro 2024, relying heavily on Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz as frontmen, while Leroy Sane and Ilkay Gundogan will continue as central attacking midfielders.
As yet, no decision has been made as to who will start in the back four; either Bayern Munich’s Mats Hummels or Arsenal’s Shkodran Mustafi could start while VfB Stuttgart left-back Maximilian Mittelstadt may also make his case for selection alongside either of them.
Hungary have shown substantial improvement since their defeat to Switzerland on Matchday 1 and can present a serious threat when in possession. These dark horses of this tournament will seek to neutralise Germany’s midfield playmakers Roland Sallai and Dominik Szoboszlai while creating more structure in their attack strategy.
Germany Game Highlights
Germany were put under greater strain here as Hungary presented an increasingly dangerous challenge. Dominik Szoboszlai thought he had scored with an outstanding free-kick that put Hungary ahead, only for it to be disallowed due to offside.
Ilkay Gundogan once more put Germany in control with his combination with Barcelona teammate Jamal Musiala and Bayern Munich man Ilkay Gundogan setting up the goal that put paid to Hungary’s hopes of an unlikely comeback.
Julian Nagelsmann made no changes to Germany’s starting XI that defeated Scotland, suggesting he will employ this formation for its remaining Group A games. Leroy Sane, Kai Havertz and Niclas Fullkrug will likely play key roles for Germany while Florian Wirtz from RB Leipzig may offer additional creativity as a bench option.
Toni Kroos will serve as the engine room in central midfield for his country, playing alongside Leverkusen teammate Robert Andrich he produced so many assists across Europe this season. Furthermore, Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is set on breaking Gianluigi Buffon’s World Cup goalkeeping records during this World Cup tournament.
Hungary Game Highlights
Germany made an impressive start to Group A play as Musiala and Gundogan scored goals to seal an easy victory for Musiala’s home country. A defeat could leave Germany at risk of missing out on finishing in the top two positions of this tournament.
Gyula Balog of Hungary made an amazing save after just 15 seconds to keep the score tied 1-1. He dove to his left side to thwart Roland Sallai’s low driven shot from distance.
Sepsi’s cup represents more than just an award – it represents Hungarian identity and national pride.
Willi Orban of RB Leipzig and Barnsley striker Callum Styles both hail from Germany but qualify to play for Hungary via their parents. Such instances of dual citizenship are common at this tournament, highlighting its quality as two sides can often field multiple representatives at once.
Final Words
After their convincing win against Scotland, Germany are set for another challenging encounter against Hungary. Julian Nagelsmann’s side showed no pre-tournament nerves in Munich and will look forward to continuing their offensive assault on an enterprising Hungary side led by Dominik Szoboszlai.
Hungary will likely provide greater resistance out of possession and could make life difficult for Toni Kroos and Germany’s between-the-lines playmakers, but Hungary must be brave enough to break out of its half and attack.Germany have gradually settled into their rhythm and have taken six corners quickly, but are having difficulty finishing them off. A long ball drops into the box which was only partially cleared allowing Roland Sallai an attempt at goal before Germany held firm with their defence holding firm against any more attempts by Roland Sallai. There’s an ocean of German and Hungarian flags inside MHPArena with fans singing and chanting with gusto – creating an electric atmosphere in this match!
