The DFB selection dominated the match for long stretches. The Hungarian national team made it much more difficult for the European Championship hosts than the Scots did last Friday. In the end, however, the Germans ended a negative streak of three games against the Hungarians with the win. In 2021, there was only a 2-2 draw at the European Championship. In the Nations League that followed, there was a 1-1 draw and even a 0-1 defeat.
The German fans were in a celebratory mood and chanted for the first time: “Berlin, Berlin, we’re going to Berlin!” The final will take place there on July 14. In the final group match, however, Germany will first have to fight for group victory on Sunday (6 p.m.). Their opponent is Switzerland, who could also advance to the round of 16 with a win against Scotland today (9 p.m.).
Captain Gündogan scores 2-0
After a nice combination over several stations, Ilkay Gündogan is ideally positioned in the backcourt and completes the move with the goal to make it 2-0 (67′).
Nagelsmann relies on a successful eleven
As announced, Nagelsmann fielded exactly the same starting eleven against Hungary that had started in the 5-1 win against Scotland. Meanwhile, Hungary coach Marco Rossi made two changes compared to the 1-3 defeat against Switzerland. New Rapid players Bendeguz Bolla and Marton Dardai slipped into the starting lineup and were supposed to provide more stability in defense.
But the German defense was the focus of attention right from the start, as the Hungarians had the first chance after 15 seconds. Goalie Manuel Neuer saved with his foot from the onrushing Roland Sallai. The Hungarians did not freeze in awe in the first few minutes, were aggressive in one-on-one duels and showed courage to attack.
Early shock for Germany
The fans hadn’t even thought about the game yet when Hungary had the first chance. Goalie Manuel Neuer saved just in time from Roland Sallai.
German offensive strikes
But the Germans also had their chances in the lively opening phase. Kai Havertz prevailed in a duel against the too timid Willy Orban, but goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi cleared with his right hand (11th) for a corner. Toni Kroos played the ball long to Robert Andrich, whose volley Bolla cleared with his head without regard for the consequences (12th).
The German efforts were rewarded. Gündogan entered into a one-on-one with Orban in the penalty area and won the ball. The captain passed it back to Musiala, who scored (22′). The VAR checked Gündogan’s attack, but saw no violation of the rules. Neuer was able to excel on the other side. The DFB goalie fished a Szoboszlai free kick out of the top corner. The Hungarians were unable to capitalize on the rebound to the side (26′).
The 1-0 by Musiala
After preparatory work by captain Ilkay Gündogan, Jamal Musiala was there and scored his second goal of this European Championship.
Premature goal celebration from Hungary
The lead played into the Germans’ hands, they took time to build up their game in a controlled manner and thus set the pace. After the sixth of eight corners for Germany, Barnabas Varga almost headed the ball into his own goal (40′). A shot from Musiala went past the right post (44′). On the other side, Hungary celebrated too early. A header from Sallai was rightly disallowed for offside, as Orban had extended Szoboszlai’s free kick cross while in an offside position (45’+2).
Reuters/Kai Pfaffenbach DFB goalkeeper Manuel Neuer showed one or two flying shows in the first half
Fresh wind for Germany’s offensive
The second half began with no personnel changes. The character of the match also remained unchanged. The Hungarians continued to hold their ground, but initially did not really get through with their offensive moves. The Germans, for their part, were not in administration mode, but were not trying to find a way to the goal by hook or by crook. Gulacsi was able to parry a deflected long-range shot from Kroos (55′).
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Nagelsmann had seen enough and made a double substitution to bring fresh air into the offense. Leroy Sane replaced Florian Wirtz, who was inconspicuous this time. Niclas Füllkrug came on for Havertz (58′). But Hungary had the next chance through Vargas. The two-time Hungarian top scorer put a header from a promising position wide of the goal (60′).
DFB captain sets course for victory
Germany then set course for victory with a beautiful combination over several stations. The protagonists in the final phase of the passing relay were Mittelstädt and Gündogan. The left-back made an ideal pass into the back area, from where his captain shot flat and carefully (67th). Germany did not let up and wanted the third goal, but Gulacsi saved from Sane (75th).
The second goal against Hungary certainly left its mark. The belief in a turnaround was no longer there, and the attacks were only half-hearted. The victory for Germany was a done deal, which is why Nagelsmann was able to allow himself a nice gesture towards the Stuttgart crowd. The DFB team boss brought on the two local heroes Chris Führich (72′) and Deniz Undav (84′) in the closing stages. Hungary then had the last chance of the game. Neuer missed a long ball, but Joshua Kimmich saved on the line for his club colleague (90′).
