Alkass Digital
Hosts Germany became the first side to qualify for the Euro 2024 last 16 after Jamal Musiala’s controversial goal and an Ilkay Gündogan strike in a 2-0 win over an enterprising Hungary on Wednesday.
Croatia’s draw with Albania earlier and the situation in Group C means there will be at least two third-placed sides who cannot match Germany’s six points. The four best third-placed teams out of six groups qualify for the knock-out stages alongside each top two.
“I’m mostly happy, it was a tough game and against awkward opponents,” Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann told ARD TV. “The spaces were very tight, we found the gaps well with the second goal. We showed patience.” Man of the match Gündogan added: “We had to overcome difficulties and I think that showed in the first half. In the second half, we controlled it well.” Germany crashed out in the group stage of the last two World Cups while only made the last 16 in the last Euros.
Their 5-1 thrashing of Scotland lit up the opening game and Nagelsmann unsurprisingly kept the same line-up. This time his team were in their new pink away shirts, which have become best sellers.
Hungary, who lost 3-1 to Switzerland in their opener, brought in Bendeguz Bolla and Marton Dardai. Marco Rossi’s side had a good recent record over the Germans having won 1-0 and drawn 1-1 in the Nations League and drawn 2-2 in Munich in the Euros three years ago.
Gala evening for Manuel Neuer German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban were in attendance in Stuttgart and had to quickly take their seats as Manuel Neuer was forced into a save from Roland Sallai inside the first 20 seconds.