German National Team Advances Past Hungary in Euro Championships, Qualifying for the Quarterfinals
Perfect performance from the German football team in their home European Championship: After the initial victory against Scotland, they delivered a less flashy but decisive performance against Hungary, winning 2:0 (1:0).
The second game, essentially a holiday - and progression to the round of 16 has already been guaranteed. A determined German team achieved its minimum goal before time in the home European Championship against challenging opponents Hungary. In their final group game against Switzerland in Frankfurt on Sunday, only one question remains: whether the DFB team will lead the group. Fans were already singing: "Berlin, Berlin, we're going to Berlin."
Jamal Musiala scored the second goal of the tournament as the first player (22nd minute), captain Ilkay Gündogan provided the assist at the right time (67th minute). A well-deserved first victory against Hungary since the "Miracle of Bern" 70 years ago was achieved, thanks to record keeper Manuel Neuer. In his already 17th EM appearance, he prevented several great goals from the team around Dominik Szoboszlai of Leipzig.
For the first time at a mandatory game, the German team donned their coveted pink jerseys - but the goalkeeper had to be covered as well, as it wasn't easy against the Scots. The squad of national coach Julian Nagelsmann passed a tough test, they held their ground against expected opponents, not giving an inch.
"No matter the feared opponents ... "
The German team had not won the past three games against Hungary (two draws, one loss). Nagelsmann, whose contract now extends beyond the round of 16 due to the tournament's expansion to 24 teams, wanted to disregard that. "No matter the feared opponents," Nagelsmann said before the game on MagentaTV, "what matters is what we bring to the pitch."
Nagelsmann also chose to forget about the 5:1 against Scotland. "The win on Friday," Nagelsmann emphasized in ARD, "is only valuable if we don't take a step back today." Aware of Germany's history of crashing out in the second game in four of the past five European Championships, the team led by Nagelsmann spared no effort to avoid worsening this record.
Germany fielded the same starting lineup for the third game in a row, while Hungary brought four players from the Bundesliga and one from the second division Hertha BSC. "They scatter long balls," Nagelsmann had said about the Hungarians, and almost succeeded in doing so: After a mistake from Joshua Kimmich, Neuer saved from Freiburg player Roland Sallai. Sixteen seconds had been played.
Hungary attack aggressively
Nagelsmann's plan to apply pressure was not easily implemented, as the Hungarians went all out aggressively and robustly. Even Toni Kroos misplaced a pass in the early minutes. And Nagelsmann was already conversing with his assistant Sandro Wagner after a few minutes. However, Kai Havertz had two good chances in the early stages (5th and 11th minutes), the pressure increased.
Patiently and attentively, the German team sought weaknesses - and exploited them in a chaotic situation: Willi Orban from RB Leipzig made a reckless challenge on Ilkay Gündogan, goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi failed to catch the ball - and Musiala then netted joyfully.
Nagelsmann celebrated wildly, the Hungarians were incensed because the goal was confirmed after VAR review - and they quickly turned their rage into fierce counter-attacks. Yet again, Neuer prevented a goal: He saved a great free-kick from Szoboszlai from just 20 meters out, then cleared the ball from the hungry Hungarians with his foot.
The Hungarians remained a threat. A goal just before halftime was disallowed for offside, and after an hour a header from Barnabas Varga (60.) came close after a mix-up from Jonathan Tah. Just before that, Nagelsmann had brought on Florian Witz and Havertz as substitutes for Leroy Sané and Niclas Füllkrug. Then Nagelsmann triggered an exhilarating celebration: Gündogan had scored after a setup from Musiala and a pass from Maximilian Mittelstadt. The crowd erupted in deafening cheers.
On the field, Germany was closer to another goal than the Hungarians were to the equalizer - until Kimmich had to clear it away (89 minutes). Neuer had allowed the ball to go after a cross and a challenge from Martin Adam.
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The German national soccer team, led by coach Julian Nagelsmann, aims to continue their successful run in the European Football Championship 2024, as they prepare for their quarterfinals match. Toni Kroos and other key players like Ilkay Gündogan and Manuel Neuer are expected to play a crucial role in this upcoming challenge.
In Stuttgart, fans will be eagerly awaiting the German team's performance against their opponents, as they hope to witness another impressive victory, similar to their 2-0 win against Hungary in their previous game.
Germany's young talent Julian Musiala showcased his skills during the last game, scoring one of the goals against Hungary. With more opportunities in the European Football Championship 2024, Musiala could be a key player in bringing home the trophy.
The German Football Association (DFB) has high hopes for their national team, as they look to advance further in the tournament. With their top-notch players and determined spirit, they aim to reach the finals and bring glory to Europe's soccer stage.
