Germany Defeats Hungary 2-0 To Book Euro 2024 Last-16 Spot
Germany secured their place in the last 16 of Euro 2024 with a 2-0 victory over Hungary, marking their second win in as many games. Following a dominant 5-1 win against Scotland, Germany faced a more challenging test from Hungary in Stuttgart. Despite creating several opportunities, Hungary failed to capitalise, with Jamal Musiala and Ilkay Gundogan scoring for Germany.
Just 15 seconds into the match, Manuel Neuer was called into action, saving Roland Sallai's attempt after some hesitant defending. Germany soon took control and converted their possession into a goal in the 22nd minute. Willi Orban's appeal for a foul was dismissed as Gundogan set up Musiala to score past Peter Gulacsi.
Neuer remained vigilant, keeping out Dominik Szoboszlai's free-kick and surviving a scare just before half-time. Sallai's rebound effort was ruled out for offside against Orban, keeping Germany's lead intact.
Hungary missed another significant chance on the hour mark when Barnabas Varga failed to direct his header on target from Sallai's cross. Seven minutes later, Germany capitalised on Hungary's wastefulness. Maximilian Mittelstadt's cutback found Gundogan, who scored to double the lead.
Hungary nearly pulled one back late in the game as Neuer spilled a cross, but Joshua Kimmich cleared Martin Adam's shot off the line, preserving Germany's clean sheet.
Musiala Shines
Jamal Musiala continued to impress, having scored in Germany's previous match against Scotland. At 21 years and 114 days old, he became the second youngest player to score in his first two European Championship starts, following Ferenc Bene in 1964. Musiala is also the youngest player to score in a team's first two group-stage matches at a single edition of the tournament.
Hungary's Missed Opportunities
Despite their spirited performance, Hungary could not convert their chances. Their seven first-half shots were the most Germany had faced at the Euros since Turkiye's 16 attempts in 2008. Sallai's early chance had an expected goals value of 0.36 xG and would have been the fastest goal in Euros history if converted.
Poor finishing and three crucial saves from Neuer ultimately cost Hungary as Germany increased their intensity in the second half to secure victory.
| Match Statistics | Germany | Hungary |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 2 | 0 |
| Shots on Target | 5 | 3 |
| Possession (%) | 62% | 38% |
| Corners | 6 | 4 |
| Saves | 3 | 3 |
This victory ensures Germany's progression to the knockout rounds, with a chance to win Group A when they face Switzerland on Sunday. Hungary will now aim to qualify as one of the best third-place finishers, with Scotland as their next opponents.
Germany have now scored 7 goals at EURO 2024, more than they have in the group stages at any other European Championship tournament. The last time they scored as many at a major tournament was the 2014 World Cup. Favourite? #GERHUN #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/k2bWrwxpze
— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) June 19, 2024
1+1 - Ilkay Gndoan has scored and assisted in the same match for Germany for the first time since October 2019 against Estonia (2G 1A). Captain. #GERHUN #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/uGXK3IroRl
— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) June 19, 2024
Jamal Musiala scored his second EURO goal at the age of 21 years, 3 months and 23 days - only four players have done this younger: Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ferenc Bene and Mikkel Damsgaard. Diamond. #GERHUN #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/rFKWV3UHh2
— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) June 19, 2024
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