Hosts Germany became the first team to book their place in the knockout stages of the EURO 2024 with a 2-0 victory over Hungary at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart on Wednesday, 19th June.
It was a tight showdown in the early stages, with both teams cautiously feeling each other out.
However, it was Germany who drew first blood in the 22nd minute when Ilkay Gundogan dispossessed Hungary captain Willi Orban before laying the ball off for Jamal Musiala to score his second goal of the tournament.
The goal sparked a response from Marco Rossi’s Hungary side, and they went close to equalising on several occasions. Dominik Szoboszlai’s powerful free-kick forced a superb save from Germany’s captain Manuel Neuer, while Barnabas Varga headed wide from a good position.
Germany weathered the storm and doubled their lead in the 67th minute through Gundogan, who swept home Maximilian Mittelstadt’s cross to effectively seal the three points for the home side.
Despite the introduction of striker Marton Adam, who had a late shot cleared off the line by Neuer, Hungary were unable to find a way back into the game, and it was Germany who held on for a 2-0 victory.
The result sees Germany become the first team to secure their place in the knockout stages of the Euros, with a game to spare.
Meanwhile, Hungary’s hopes of progressing to the round of 16 were downed after the Scotland – Switzerland draw later in the day. They became the first side to be out in the group stages.
