Euro 2024: Germany progress to last 16
Germany 2 - 0 Hungary
Jamal Musiala was on form again as Germany continued their strong start to Euro 2024 with a win over Hungary, securing their spot in the knockout stages in the process.
There was a fantastic atmosphere pre match in Stuggart.
The Bayern Munich forward was impressive throughout the match, scoring midway through the first half and nearly netting another with a powerful shot that just missed the post. He received a standing ovation when he was substituted late in the second half.
Hungary were unhappy with the opening goal, claiming Ilkay Gundogan fouled defender Willi Orban before setting up Musiala to score. However, a video assistant referee (VAR) review upheld the decision, allowing Musiala and his teammates to celebrate in front of the Hungarian supporters.
Hungary thought they had equalised just before half-time, but Roland Sallai’s header from a rebound was ruled offside.
Germany extended their lead in the second half when former Manchester City player Gundogan, left unmarked, slotted the ball past goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi.
Following their dominant 5-1 victory over Scotland, Germany faced a tougher challenge from Hungary, who created several opportunities and defended resolutely.
Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai demonstrated his set-piece prowess, forcing a save from Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer with a superb effort. Szoboszlai had another chance in the first half, but his shot was brilliantly blocked by Jonathan Tah.
Despite Hungary’s resilience, Germany's performance was encouraging. They displayed creativity and control, securing six points from their first two games. With their place in the last 16 confirmed, they will top Group A if they avoid defeat against Switzerland in Frankfurt on Sunday.
Hungary are close to Euros exit
This result is a setback for Hungary, who also lost to Switzerland in their opening match. To have any chance of progressing, they need to overcome Scotland in their next game.
They are on the verge of exiting Euro 2024 but will feel hard done by, having created enough chances to trouble Germany in Stuttgart. They showed significant improvement, particularly in their defensive play, with Szoboszlai leading the way, creating opportunities and delivering quality set-pieces.
Szoboszlai’s free-kick led to Sallai’s disallowed header, and he continued to test Neuer while providing service for Hungary’s forwards. Barnabas Varga also came close with a header over the bar, but Hungary couldn’t find the equaliser they needed.
Germany prove they can go all the way
Germany managed the second half effectively, defending well, refreshing their attack, and relying on Toni Kroos’s experience in midfield. Antonio Rudiger and Tah’s partnership at the back is solidifying, with Neuer only needing to make three saves – two of which came from Szoboszlai’s dangerous free-kick and the ensuing rebound in the first half.
Aside from a last-minute goal-line clearance by Joshua Kimmich, Germany remained in control. Gundogan’s calm finish was the final touch as fans celebrated, waving flags and chanting until full-time, applauding their captain when he was substituted.
Optimism is growing in Germany as fans sense potential in this talented squad on home soil, and this victory will only heighten that excitement. While it wasn’t as free-flowing as their opening match against a ten-man Scotland, it was a solid performance at this stage of the competition.
With 21-year-old Musiala, Germany boasts one of Europe’s brightest talents, and the question remains: how far can he take them?
