Goals from Jamal Musiala and Ilkay Gundogan gave Germany a comfortable 2-0 win over Hungary in Group A on Wednesday that made the host nation the first side to qualify for the knockout stage at Euro 2024.
With two wins out of two, the Germans are guaranteed to be at least among the four best third-placed teams, and they will finish in the top two of the group if Scotland fail to beat Switzerland later on Wednesday. That scenario would also prevent Hungary from finishing in the top two.
Musiala gave the Germans the lead in the 22nd minute after some horrendous Hungarian defending led to the ball being poked into his path by Gundogan, and the 21-year-old needed no second invitation, hammering the ball in via a defender.
Roland Sallai had a goal ruled out in first-half stoppage time for Hungary and they wasted a number of other decent chances before Gundogan scored in the 67th minute with a simple finish after a superb build-up to wrap up the three points.
Jamal Musiala comes home to stitch together disjointed Germany in Euro 2024 win over Hungary
On the platforms at Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof, signs hung above the German fans merrily bustling their way out of the train station, into the sunshine, and to the scene of their nation’s game with Hungary. “Heimstadt von Jamal Musiala”, read the signs overhead: “Hometown of Jamal Musiala.” Give him the keys to the city. If the 21-year-old was not a hometown hero before this Euro 2024 clash, he will be now.
Alex Pattle at the Stuttgart Arena19 June 2024 19:15
Can Scotland get back on track?
The Group A action continues tonight as Euro 2024 shifts to Cologne as Scotland and Switzerland resume their efforts after contrasting outings on the opening weekend. Steve Clarke said earlier this week that he hoped cuddles and kicked backsides would be enough to lift his side after a wretched performance against Germany – but a strong Swiss side could cause them more misery. You can enjoy all of the action in the company of Chris Wilson:
Harry Latham-Coyle19 June 2024 19:13
Germany book place in round of 16 with 2-0 win over Hungary
Germany finish up against the Swiss, and you can’t imagine that Julian Nagelsmann will be changing much. His eleven looks nicely balanced, while Niclas Fullkrug and Leroy Sane offer a nice punch of contrasts off the bench. The hosts are bubbling away rather well.
Harry Latham-Coyle19 June 2024 19:07
Germany book place in round of 16 with 2-0 win over Hungary
Dominik Szoboszlai looks disappointed – the Hungary captain may reflect on the chances his side missed, with Barnabas Varga’s second half header the most prominent of them while the score was 1-0. Scotland are their last opponents, with a win a must if their Euro 2024 adventure is to extend beyond the group stage.
It was much better from Marco Rossi’s men, though, with much more energy and organisation than against Switzerland.
Harry Latham-Coyle19 June 2024 18:58
FT: Germany 2-0 Hungary
Germany progress to the round of 16 with back-to-back wins to start their campaign on home soil. Julian Nagelsmann slaps the hands of his players, content that they’ve got the job done despite not being at their brilliant best. It lacked the majesty of the dismantling of Scotland, and there were a few defensive frailties exposed by Hungary, but a win and a clean sheet is good enough for now.
Harry Latham-Coyle19 June 2024 18:56
Germany 2-0 Hungary, 90 minutes
Now then! Manuel Neuer gets himself in a muddle trying to collect a hopeful hoist above a grounded Martin Adam, and the goalkeeper is therefore grateful for the quick thinking of Joshua Kimmich, scrambling back to keep out the shot that arrives. Not Neuer’s tidiest moment – I don’t think VAR would have saved him either.
Three minutes, though, between Germany and a place in the knockout rounds.
Harry Latham-Coyle19 June 2024 18:50
Germany 2-0 Hungary, 88 minutes
The last roll of the dice from Hungary manager Marco Rossi. Daniel Gazdag and Kevin Csoboth have the job of sparking something special in these final minutes.
Harry Latham-Coyle19 June 2024 18:47
Germany 2-0 Hungary, 87 minutes
Joshua Kimmich stands up a cross for Niclas Fullkrug to attack, but the centre forward can’t get anything like the power on it he needs to test Peter Gulacsi.
Harry Latham-Coyle19 June 2024 18:46
Germany 2-0 Hungary, 84 minutes
An ovation from the Stuttgart crowd as Deniz Undav, on loan at the club from Brighton, readies himself. The warm reception continues as Ilkay Gundogan’s number comes up on the board, the midfielder having been at the heart of everything good from Germany today.
Harry Latham-Coyle19 June 2024 18:45