Tomorrow, in the second round of the UEFA European Championship Group A, Germany will face Hungary at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart.
Germany: Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, Antonio Rüdiger, Jonathan Tah, Maximilian Mittelstädt, Robert Andrich, Toni Kroos, Jamal Musiala, İlkay Gündoğan, Florian Wirtz, Kai Havertz. Hungary: Péter Gulácsi, Krisztián Nagy, Attila Szalai, Willi Orbán, Márton Dárdai, Ádám Lang, László Kleinheisler, András Schäfer, Milos Kerkez, Roland Sallai, Dominik Szoboszlai, Barnabás Varga.
In the opening match of Euro 2024 at the Allianz Arena, Germany, under the guidance of Julian Nagelsmann, secured a convincing 5-1 victory over Scotland. The game began with excitement as Germany dominated possession, key to their triumph. Florian Wirtz opened the scoring in the 10th minute, thanks to a precise pass from Joshua Kimmich, finding him in front of the goal. Wirtz became the youngest goalscorer for Germany in the Euros. Nine minutes later, Germany doubled their lead when Jamal Musiala completed a well-organised combination with Kai Havertz, who distracted the defenders and found Musiala in the box. Musiala's decisive strike into the far corner left the goalkeeper helpless. At the end of the first half, things got worse for Scotland when defender Ryan Porteous was sent off for a harsh foul on İlkay Gündoğan. This moment proved pivotal as Kai Havertz confidently converted the penalty, extending the lead to 3-0. Retiring great Toni Kroos played a crucial role throughout the game, dictating the pace from midfield with his trademark precision - 100 accurate passes out of 101. Alongside history-making captain İlkay Gündoğan, the midfield dominated with penetrating passes.
In the second half, Germany continued to impose their game despite Scotland's feeble attempts at resistance. Target man striker Niclas Füllkrug substituted Havertz and added the fourth goal, hitting the top corner after exchanging passes with Gündoğan. The penultimate goal was an own goal by Antonio Rüdiger - Kieran McKenna's free-kick hit his chest, unexpectedly changing the ball's trajectory - this was Scotland's only moment in the entire match. Emre Can, replacing the ill Alexander Pavlovic just two days before, also came off the bench to score in the final minute, sealing this thrashing. For the first time in 12 years, Scotland conceded five goals in an official match. The upcoming match against Hungary will be prepared in a confident atmosphere, thanks to this opening victory, setting a positive tone for the team.
Pre-tournament concerns regarding Germany’s condition were dismissed after their performance against Scotland. The primary issue discussed by fans - a lack of a top-tier striker like Miroslav Klose or Lukas Podolski - wasn't critical in this match. Kai Havertz, playing as a false nine, performed excellently, and the sole actual forward Niclas Füllkrug scored with almost his first touch. Toni Kroos had another magnificent match, combining well with Mittelstädt, a revelation this season. Despite Germany's successful performance, far-reaching conclusions shouldn't be drawn based on a game against a weak Scotland. The Scottish team performed poorly, making it easier for the Germans. Julian Nagelsmann's side appeared modern and stylish, offering various attacking options and confirming their high class in this match.
Hungary started their third consecutive European Championship with a 1-3 defeat to Switzerland. Despite 14 unbeaten matches before the tournament and high expectations from Dominik Szoboszlai, making his Euros debut as the youngest captain in the tournament’s history at 23, Hungary failed to live up to their 'dark horse' status. The first half was a complete disaster for Hungary: the team made countless mistakes and failed to find their rhythm. The best they managed was a single non-threatening shot over the bar. The Swiss took the lead in the 20th minute with a successful strike by Amdouni, beating goalkeeper Péter Gulácsi. By the end of the first half, Aebischer doubled the lead, capitalising on a mistake by veteran Attila Fiola to score the second goal.
The second half was slightly better for Hungary. In the 66th minute, Barnabás Varga, receiving a pass from Szoboszlai, managed to convert one of the few chances by heading home. This goal breathed life into Hungary's hopes of a return, but they were quickly dashed. Switzerland responded with a series of attacks, and substitute Breel Embolo sealed their victory in stoppage time, skilfully lobbing the ball over the keeper after a wild defensive error by leader Orbán. Hungary coach Marco Rossi acknowledged that the first half was "very poor" and highlighted his team's passivity. Rossi took responsibility for the loss, emphasising that the mistakes made were uncharacteristic for his players. Hungary now faces a tough game against Germany, where they will strive to redeem their disappointing tournament start, while Switzerland will face Scotland, aiming to consolidate their position in Group A.
Marco Rossi’s team performed poorly against a well-organised Switzerland. The youngest captain in Euro history, Dominik Szoboszlai, was almost absent for the first 60 minutes and looked extremely weak. In midfield, Hungary had serious creativity issues; Nagy and Schäfer frequently faltered in their zones, allowing the Swiss to easily penetrate the final third. Thirty-eight-year-old Attila Fiola on the right was not the best choice against Germany's young and dynamic side, and for the next match, Dárdai may replace him.
The national teams have never played against each other, not even in friendly matches.
Hungary performed poorly in the first round and looked very weak against a not-so-powerful Swiss squad. With such defensive mistakes against Germany, they stand no chance; Nagelsmann's team will press from the start and capitalise on any Hungarian errors. Expect another thrashing from Germany, as Rossi's team has shown no means to withstand German pressure.
Currently, the total over 2.5 goals is priced at only 1.65 - an excellent betting option. The odds will likely drop closer to the match.
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