Musiala and Gundogan ensure Germany stay perfect with comfortable Hungary win

Germany secured passage to the round of 16 at Euro 2024 following a routine 2-0 victory against Hungary in Stuttgart.

Germany knew a win would make them the first side to advance to the latter stages of the competition, and Julian Nagelsmann’s side didn’t disappoint.

Goals from Jamal Musiala and Ilkay Gundogan was enough for Germany to see off the challenge of Marco Rossi’s side, but it wasn’t as easy as many would have thought going into the game.

Germany’s first goal came when Hungary stopper Peter Gulacsi dived at the feet of Gundogan, but instead of smothering the ball and taking control of it, he seemingly pushed it back to Gundogan, who passed it to Musiala, and the Bayern Munich man had the easy task of placing the ball into the net through several Hungary defenders.

Hungary however weren’t cowed by Germany’s goal, and arguably should have equalised when Rolland Sallai’s cross was met by Bernabas Varga, but the striker couldn’t keep his header down, and it sailed over the crossbar.

Germany then added a second with a sweeping move involving Musiala, Maximilian Mittelstadt and Gundogan, with the Barcelona midfielder arriving in the box unmarked to score and end all Hungary hopes.

Germany are now through, but Hungary still has a chance to qualify to the round of 16, granted they earn a win against Scotland in the final group stage game on Sunday.

Talking point – Can Musiala win the Golden Boot?

Two goals in two games from Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala. The 21-year-old is now officially the top scorer at the tournament, for now at least. Yet considering how good he makes Germany play, you wouldn’t bet against Musiala adding more goals in the competition. He makes Germany play so much better and, with Toni Kroos, Kai Havertz and Florian Wirtz alongside him, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Musiala add more.

Player of the Match – Toni Kroos (Germany)

Yet another elegant performance from the German metronome. Kroos was immense in the middle of the pitch, keeping the ball in retention and always picking out the right pass. It is going to be a loss for football when the 34-year-old retires after Euro 2024.

Player Ratings

GERMANY: Neuer 6, Kimmich 7, Rudiger 6, Tah 6, Mittelstadt 7, Andrich 6, Kroos 8, Musiala 7, Gundogan 7, Wirtz 5, Havertz 6. Subs: Sane 6, Fullkrug 6, Can 6, Fuhrich 6, Undav N/A

HUNGARY: Gulacsi 5, Fiola 6, Orban 6, Dardai, 6, Kerkez 5, Schafer 6, Nagy 5, Bolla 5, Sallai 6, Szoboszlai 5, Varga 5. Subs: Kleinheisler 6, Adam 6, Nagy 6, Gazdag N/A, Csoboth N/A

Match Highlights

11′ SAVE! First save of the game goes to Hungary, with Gulacsi denying Havertz from close-range after the Arsenal man did well to get a shot off despite being held back. The game is picking up nicely.

21′ GOAL! GERMANY 1-0 HUNGARY (JAMAL MUSIALA): Germany score one of the most calamitous goals you’ll see in the tournament. Gundogan’s deft run into the box seems to have been stopped after the Hungarian goalkeeper seemingly takes possession of the ball. Yet Gulacsi doesn’t hold it, and instead feeds it back to Germany inside the box, and Bayern Munich star Musiala has the simple task of placing the ball into the back of the net from six yards out. A goal that isn’t going to appear on any ‘best goals of the tournament’ list.

42′ KROOS: In case anyone forgot just how brilliant a footballer Kroos is, he just reminded us with a gorgeous little chip over the head of an onrushing Hungary player into the feet Mittlestadt. Just a beautiful player to watch, and it’ll be a shame when he retires after the competition.

45’+ 1 GOAL CANCELLED: Hungary thought they’d equalised just before half-time. Szoboszlai’s in swinging free-kick was headed towards goal, Neuer could only parry the ball into the feet of Sallai, who scored. However the Dutch referee Makkelie blew his whistle as Orban was offside in the beginning of the move. Yet it’s a warning to Germany.

66′ GOAL! GERMANY 2-0 HUNGARY (ILKAY GUNDOGAN): Just when it looked like Hungary were getting a foothold in the game, Germany add a second to perhaps kill off any hope. More crisp passing from Germany on the periphery of the Hungarian box sees Musiala slide the ball to Mittelstadt down the left-hand channel, who passes the ball with precision into the feet of Man City midfielder Gundogan, who sweeps the ball into the net unmarked with his left foot into the bottom corner. Just a wonderfully taken goal by Germany.

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