Germany 2-0 Hungary: Initial reactions and observations (2024)

Initial reactions and observations

• A 2-0 win would qualify as a routine performance for Germany teams of yesterday, but for this one it’s a statement. Despite not being at their best, Julian Nagelsmann’s side proved that their win over Scotland was not a fluke — there’s a solid foundation in this team, and they deserve their place in the knockouts.
• Manuel Neuer had to work hard for his clean sheet today. Without him, Germany might have been in serious trouble given the chances they conceded.
• Jamal Musiala is playing like a man possessed. Good choice by Julian Nagelsmann to sub him off early in both games so far — he’s heavily targeted by opposition players for fouls. That’s great for winning free kicks, but not great for his body.
• Nagelsmann’s subs did not pan out like they did in the opener. Führich had virtually no impact, and Leroy Sané was deeply frustrating, while Niclas Füllkrug barely received any service. Not much to say about Emre Can and Undav — they were there (that’s it).
• Toni Kroos was pressed by Hungary and that’s what made the difference in this game. Germany lives and dies by Kroos, and if his impact is reduced by even 30%, it has a profound effect on the rest of the team. You can be sure that the rest of the tournament will take this lesson to heart, given that Germany seem destined for the knockouts.

Full time: Germany 2-0 Hungary.

69’ — GOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL! Gündoğan makes it 2-0!

57’ — Subs: Havertz and Wirtz subbed off for Füllkrug and Sané.

45’ — The second half is underway!

Halftime observations and analysis

• Germany are having a rougher time than they did against Scotland, but it’s still a promising performance overall. The gameplan could use some fine-tuning (and maybe a couple of subs).
• Manuel Neuer has had his fair share of work to do — egg on the faces of those who doubted him, but it also shows that the German defense has been far from resolute at the back. The late scare near the end of the half should serve as a warning to the team.
• Jamal Musiala is simply unplayable during this tournament. He’s the best player on the pitch and it’s not particularly close.

Halftime: Germany 1-0 Hungary.

22’ — GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL! Musiala makes it 1-0 from a loose ball in the Hungarian box!

Kickoff: We’re underway!

One hour until kickoff: Nagelsmann is reformed! We have zero changes for Germany headed into this game. Can they beat Hungary with the same XI?

After an imperious 5-1 win over Scotland that put the rest of the tournament on notice, Germany look to secure qualification to the next round as soon as possible. Doing so will involve beating Hungary, a team that promises to be a tougher test than recent opponents.

The question on everyone’s lips: Can Julian Nagelsmann keep the momentum going?

When he was in charge of Bayern Munich, Nagelsmann loved to tinker. It often cost him games, and possibly even his job in the end. Now, the 36-year-old coach seems to be a reformed man, and his current lineup is his favorite. It was more than enough for Scotland, but will it be enough for Hungary? We’ll have to wait and watch.

While you’re waiting for the game, why not check out our preview podcast? Listen to it below or on Spotify.

Match Info

Location: MHPArena, Stuttgart, Germany

Time: 6:00 pm local time, 12:00 pm EST

TV/streaming: Find Your Country

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