Germany has qualified for the last 16 of Euro 2024 with a game to spare, following a 2-0 win against Hungary. The hosts saw goals from Jamal Musiala and Ilkay Gundogan, with Musiala scoring just before halftime and Gundogan sealing the victory in the second half.
Germany will next face Switzerland on Sunday. Despite the loss, Hungary still has a chance to qualify for the knockout stages when they play Scotland, also on Sunday.
Report
Germany secured passage to the round of 16 at Euro 2024 following a routine 2-0 victory against Hungary in Stuttgart. Germany knew a win would make them the first side to advance to the latter stages of the competition, and Julian Nagelsmann’s side didn’t disappoint. Goals from Jamal Musiala and Ilkay Gundogan were enough for Germany to see off the challenge of Marco Rossi’s side, but it wasn’t as easy as many would have thought going into the game.
Germany’s first goal came when Hungary stopper Peter Gulacsi dived at the feet of Gundogan, but instead of smothering the ball and taking control of it, he seemingly pushed it back to Gundogan, who passed it to Musiala. The Bayern Munich man had the easy task of placing the ball into the net through several Hungary defenders.
Hungary, however, weren’t cowed by Germany’s goal and arguably should have equalized when Rolland Sallai’s cross was met by Bernabas Varga, but the striker couldn’t keep his header down, and it sailed over the crossbar.
Germany then added a second with a sweeping move involving Musiala, Maximilian Mittelstadt, and Gundogan, with the Barcelona midfielder arriving in the box unmarked to score and end all Hungary’s hopes. Germany are now through, but Hungary still has a chance to qualify for the round of 16, granted they earn a win against Scotland in the final group stage game on Sunday.
Star Performer: Ilkay Gundogan
Ilkay Gundogan’s display was a reminder, if it were needed, of the quality he possesses. The 33-year-old’s absence from the Premier League—having joined Barcelona last summer to become a key part of their midfield—means it’s possible to overlook all that he offers.
After many years as a No. 8 in Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering Manchester City side, Julian Nagelsmann has repurposed Gundogan as a No. 10, asking him to operate at the tip of an all-star midfield diamond that includes Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala. The role requires Gundogan to both score goals and create them. He did both in Stuttgart, reacting sharply to Willi Orban’s error in creating Musiala’s opener before expertly finding space in the Hungary box to seal the win with a composed finish.
In a squad containing Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, and Toni Kroos, it’s a testament to Gundogan’s skill—as well as his character—that he is Nagelsmann’s captain.
Germany have now won their opening two matches at the Euros for a fifth time. On three of the previous four occasions, they went on to win the tournament. If they’re to do so again, Gundogan will be crucial.
PLAYER RATINGS
GERMANY: Neuer 6, Kimmich 7, Rudiger 6, Tah 6, Mittelstadt 7, Andrich 6, Kroos 8, Musiala 7, Gundogan 7, Wirtz 5, Havertz 6. Subs: Sane 6, Fullkrug 6, Can 6, Fuhrich 6, Undav N/A
HUNGARY: Gulacsi 5, Fiola 6, Orban 6, Dardai, 6, Kerkez 5, Schafer 6, Nagy 5, Bolla 5, Sallai 6, Szoboszlai 5, Varga 5. Subs: Kleinheisler 6, Adam 6, Nagy 6, Gazdag N/A, Csoboth N/A