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| Germany's Jamal Musiala celebrating scoring its first goal. |
Germany has confirmed its qualification for the Round of 16 at Euro 2024 after a commanding 2-0 win against Hungary in Group A on Wednesday. This victory makes Germany the first team to secure a spot in the knockout stages of the tournament.
Key
Highlights
- Qualification
Scenario: Germany qualifies as one of the
best third-placed teams for now. They will confirm a top-two finish if
Scotland fails to beat Switzerland.
- Goals:
Ilkay Gundogan assisted Jamal Musiala for the opening goal and then scored
himself, leading Germany to victory.
- Match
Stats: Germany's win against Hungary is
their first competitive victory over Hungary since the 1954 World Cup
final.
Match Recap
Jamal
Musiala, playing in his hometown, opened the scoring in the 22nd minute
following a defensive error by Hungary. Ilkay Gundogan, who played a pivotal
role throughout the match, set up Musiala, who then smashed the ball in off a
defender. Despite several opportunities, Hungary couldn't capitalize, including
a disallowed goal by Roland Sallai in first-half stoppage time.
In
the 67th minute, Gundogan doubled Germany's lead with a straightforward finish
after a precise build-up involving a cross from Maximilian Mittelstadt. The
Germans maintained pressure and controlled possession, ensuring their place in
the next round.
Historic Context and Fan Reaction
This
victory rekindled memories of Germany's first World Cup title in 1954, as fans
now dream of a fourth European Championship triumph on home soil. The match was
attended by prominent figures, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, adding to the intense atmosphere.
Player and Coach Insights
- Manuel
Neuer: Expressed confidence in
Germany's potential and emphasized the importance of remaining focused.
- Ilkay
Gundogan: Highlighted the team's
resilience and ability to overcome challenges during the match.
- Marco Rossi (Hungary Manager): Acknowledged the mistakes made by his team and praised Germany as strong favorites for the Euro 2024 title.
Next Steps
Germany will face Switzerland in their final group game on Sunday, aiming to solidify their position. Hungary, meanwhile, still has a chance to progress if they beat Scotland and other results favor them.
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