Germany has advanced to the round-of-16 of UEFA Euro 2024 following a controlled 2-0 win over Hungary, with victories now making it two on the bounce on home soil. The win came after a resounding 5-1 result against Scotland in their tournament opener and sent the home fans feeling enthused with the excitement of potential success around them.
Germany’s early domination pointed out how much they meant business, though it was clearly in their bid to take advantage of Hungary’s last 3-1 loss to Switzerland. The hosts, driven by the home crowd, went ahead in the 22nd minute under controversial circumstances.
With the ball standing between him and the goal within the penalty area, veteran defender Willi Orban went to the ground after a nudge from Ilkay Gundogan, although that was still debatable. The ball was recycled before finally reaching Jamal Musiala, whose shot was deflected into the net by Attila Fiola. It was allowed to stand despite many protests from Hungary.
Hungary hit back with some determination. Manuel Neuer was forced into a vital save by a well-hit free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai. Still, Germany was almost two up when the impressive Musiala fired into the side netting, which had many fans thinking he’d scored. Hungary thought they had leveled just before halftime when Sallai tapped in from a rebound. However, the goal was then ruled out for offside.
The entire second half was a balanced exchange of attacks from both sides. Hungary pressed for an equalizer, but Germany delivered the last blow in the 66th minute. A quick counterattack then resulted in Maximilian Mittelstadt’s laying on a perfect cross into Gundogan, who finished off the play with a most composed finish by slotting home past Hungary’s goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi for what was an assured winning goal.
Germany’s controlled performance was enough to book their place in the knockout stages and trigger the extension clause of head coach Julian Nagelsmann’s contract, now extended for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. “We’re thrilled to advance,” said Nagelsmann. “They are the best in terms of composure and self-belief. We will try to build on this and further into the tournament,” he added.
The Hungary win did not just have Germany move through but had their chances of gaining ground as one of the favorites to lift the Euro 2024 title. With a reinvigorated side and the entire home support behind them, their journey in this tournament is set to be very captivating.
