Germany 2 Hungary 0: Hosts first team through to Euro 2024 last 16 as captain Gundogan scores one and sets up another
GERMANY are in the pink – and they are the first team into the last 16 of Euro 2024.
Sporting their popular new away kit despite hosting the tournament, coach Julian Nagelsmann’s team made it two wins from two in Group A.
Even though the final placings are still up for grabs, with six points in the bag and a goal difference of plus six, there is no way the home team is going out in the group stage.
That might sound routine for three times European champions but recent struggles means it is a signal that the boys from Berlin are back.
In two of the last three major tournaments they have crashed out in the group stage.
But while this was significantly harder work than brushing Scotland aside 5-1 in last Friday’s tournament opener, it is job done as far as restoring belief is concerned.
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That was coach Nagelsmann’s main concern before a ball was kicked. On the back of this result in Stuttgart, he can tick that off.
Jamal Musiala put Germany ahead in the 22nd minute and the 21-year-old now has a goal in each of his Euro games.
The former Chelsea academy forward was perfectly positioned inside the box to collect a pass from captain Ilkay Gundogan and poke the ball in with a drilled finish.
And the one-time England youth team pal of Jude Bellingham went agonisingly close with a shot on the stroke of half time.
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But the victory was just as much, if not more down to the stunning athleticism of veteran keeper Manuel Neuer.
Neuer, 38, is likely playing in his last international tournament. But before and after Germany took the lead, he kept Hungary at bay.
Twice in the first half he made superb reaction saves.
One was from Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai from a spectacular, curling free kick that was heading for the top corner.
And barely a minute into the game he defied Bendeguz Boila from close range when Germany cocked up their kick off routine and surrendered possession within four seconds of the first whistle.
Captain Gundogan – formerly of Manchester City – added the second goal that sealed victory when he neatly turned in a cut back from left back Max Mittelstadt with 23 minutes to go.
Gundogan also provided the assist for Musiala’s first half strike and was rewarded with a standing ovation when he was subbed in the second half.
Germany face Switzerland in their final group game on Sunday. Their new kit has only been worn three times in total now and is the fastest selling in history.
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