Nagelsmann: Hungary Under More Pressure Than Germany In Upcoming Euro 2024 Match

Germany's coach Julian Nagelsmann has shifted the pressure onto Hungary ahead of their Group A clash on Wednesday. Euro 2024 hosts Germany started strong with a 5-1 victory over Scotland in Munich last week. In contrast, Hungary suffered a 3-1 defeat to Switzerland. Despite the format allowing the four best third-placed teams to advance to the last 16, Nagelsmann believes Hungary faces more pressure in Stuttgart.

"I had put Scotland and Hungary on a very similar level," Nagelsmann told reporters. "It depends on how we play tomorrow. Hungary are under a bit more pressure than we are after the first match. I think they have to be a bit more aggressive than against Switzerland as they could potentially be out of the tournament."

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Nagelsmann remains cautious despite his team's strong start. "We have analysed the Hungarians and have a clear idea of how we will play," he added. "It is about winning the game tomorrow. We saw their first match against Switzerland where it was a game of two halves. Hungary deserved more than they got in the end."

In the qualifiers, Hungary ranked second-best in creating or converting chances from set pieces. They excel in transition play and possess strikers who are strong in aerial duels, complemented by precise crosses, making them a formidable opponent.

However, Hungary has not won in their last seven European Championship games (D4 L3) since defeating Austria 2-0 in the 2016 group stage. Germany, on the other hand, has only one win in their last six home matches against Hungary (D2 L3), a 2-0 friendly victory in June 2016.

The three previous meetings between Germany and Hungary at major tournaments have produced an average of 6.7 goals per game. Hungary opened the scoring in each of those matches. Their most recent encounter was during the Euro 2020 group stage, which ended in a 2-2 draw, leading to Hungary's exit while Germany advanced to the last 16 before losing to England.

Hungary's Perspective

Hungary's coach Marco Rossi acknowledged the challenge ahead. "We've paid for these mistakes in the first game and tomorrow we are playing Germany which, in my opinion, is the toughest rival," Rossi said. "We know on paper the German team is better than us. This should further motivate us, allowing us to give our very best show."

Rossi emphasised that his team must deliver a flawless performance to secure a point and keep their qualification hopes alive. "Hopefully we can grasp a point tomorrow and that will allow us, I hope, to qualify for the next round. But this will call for the perfect match; all those playing must give 100 per cent."