Key Moments

• 1′ – Manuel Neuer made a crucial save within 15 seconds of kick-off to deny Hungary an early lead.
• 33′ – Jamal Musiala opened the scoring for Germany with a simple finish after Ilkay Gundogan dispossessed Willi Orban.
• 63′ – Gundogan doubled Germany’s lead with a well-struck effort from the edge of the box.
• 90′ – Willi Orban’s header was cleared off the line by Joshua Kimmich in the dying moments.

Match Review

The Mercedes-Benz Arena in Stuttgart witnessed a commanding performance from the hosts Germany as they secured a 2-0 victory over Hungary in their second Euro 2024 Group A encounter. Goals from Jamal Musiala and Ilkay Gundogan sealed the three points for Hansi Flick’s side, cementing their status as one of the tournament favorites.

The game started at a frenetic pace, with Hungary nearly taking a shock lead within the opening 15 seconds. A lapse in concentration from the German defense allowed Adam Szalai a clear sight at goal, but Manuel Neuer’s lightning-quick reflexes denied the Hungarian striker, setting the tone for what was to come.

Germany quickly settled into their rhythm, dictating the tempo and probing the Hungarian defense with their intricate passing patterns. Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala were at the heart of Germany’s creative endeavors, constantly interchanging positions and causing havoc in the final third.

The breakthrough came in the 33rd minute, and it was a moment of individual brilliance from Gundogan that unlocked the Hungarian defense. The German captain dispossessed Willi Orban in a dangerous area, and with the Hungarian defense in disarray, he calmly squared the ball for Musiala to tap into an empty net.

Hungary, to their credit, did not capitulate and sought to find an equalizer before halftime. However, Germany’s resolute defense, marshaled by the ever-reliable Antonio Rudiger and Jonathan Tah, ensured that the hosts went into the break with their slender lead intact.

The second half began with Germany firmly in control, and it was only a matter of time before they extended their advantage. The decisive moment came in the 63rd minute, as Gundogan capped off a sublime team move with a well-struck effort from the edge of the box, leaving Peter Gulacsi rooted to the spot.

With a two-goal cushion, Germany seemed content to manage the game and conserve energy for their remaining group fixtures. Hansi Flick introduced fresh legs in the form of Niclas Fullkrug and Leroy Sane, but the substitutes were unable to add to the scoreline.

Hungary, to their credit, refused to go down without a fight. In the dying moments of the game, Willi Orban’s header from a corner kick looked destined for the back of the net, but Joshua Kimmich’s last-ditch clearance off the line preserved Germany’s clean sheet.

Player Ratings

Germany:
Manuel Neuer – 8/10
Joshua Kimmich – 7/10
Antonio Rudiger – 7/10
Jonathan Tah – 7/10
Maximilian Mittelstädt – 8/10
Robert Andrich – 7/10
Toni Kroos – 7/10
Jamal Musiala – 9/10
Ilkay Gundogan – 9/10
Florian Wirtz – 7/10
Kai Havertz – 6/10

Substitutes:
Niclas Fullkrug – 6/10
Leroy Sane – 6/10
Emre Can – 6/10
Chris Führich – 5/10
Deniz Undav – N/A

Hungary:
Peter Gulacsi – 6/10
Attila Fiola – 6/10
Willi Orban – 5/10
Zsolt Kerkez – 6/10
Milos Kerkez – 6/10
Dominik Szoboszlai – 6/10
Callum Styles – 6/10
Loic Nego – 5/10
Adam Szalai – 6/10
Roland Sallai – 6/10
Kevin Varga – 5/10

Substitutes:
Martin Adam – 6/10
Zsolt Nagy – 6/10
Bendeguz Bolla – 5/10

FAQs

Q: How did Germany manage to secure such a comfortable victory?
A: Germany’s victory was built on a solid defensive foundation and their ability to capitalize on Hungary’s mistakes. Gundogan’s dispossession of Orban for the opening goal was a pivotal moment, and the hosts never looked back after taking the lead. Their superior quality in midfield and attack ultimately proved too much for Hungary to handle.

Q: Was Jamal Musiala the standout performer for Germany?
A: While Musiala scored the opening goal and was a constant threat throughout the match, it was Ilkay Gundogan who arguably put in the most impressive performance. The German captain was instrumental in both goals, and his all-round display in midfield was a masterclass in control and composure.

Q: What does this result mean for both teams in the context of Group A?
A: With this victory, Germany have all but secured their place in the knockout stages of Euro 2024. They sit atop Group A with six points from their first two games and will be confident of progressing as group winners. For Hungary, the defeat leaves them with an uphill battle to qualify, as they now face a must-win scenario against Scotland in their final group game.

Group A Table After This Game

Team	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	GD	Points
Germany	2	2	0	0	+6	6
Croatia	2	1	1	0	+1	4
Switzerland	2	1	0	1	0	3
Hungary	2	0	0	2	-3	0
Scotland	2	0	0	2	-4	0

In conclusion, Germany’s comprehensive victory over Hungary was a statement of intent from the Euro 2024 hosts. With their blend of youth and experience, Hansi Flick’s side looks well-equipped to mount a serious challenge for the coveted European crown. For Hungary, the focus now shifts to their final group game against Scotland, where they must secure all three points to keep their hopes of progressing alive.