GERMANY VS HUNGARY
The second round of group games has concluded and only three teams have secured their place in the Round of 16. Most of the fixtures in the next round will be must-win games for both sides to finish top three and hope for the other results to go in their favour as well. A similar situation will arise when Hungary travels to the Allianz Arena in Munich to face Germany in an enthralling fixture on Wednesday, June 23.
The Germans are in scorching form coming into the fixture, but the results have been mixed and this game still holds massive importance in their bid to reach the knockout stage. After a closely fought defeat against current world champions France, Germany bounced back and handed a hefty 4-2 defeat to the defending European champions Portugal despite conceding first.
Sunday mood 🙌🇩🇪#DieMannschaft #GER #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/BYHA24jJcF
— Germany (@DFB_Team_EN) June 20, 2021
Joachim Loew’s side is currently second in the Group of Death and winning this game against the lower-ranked side will confirm their place in the Round of 16.
Hungary is one of the most rapidly flourishing European sides that can live up to any challenge despite playing without their qualification hero Dominik Szoboszlai. They showed great strength of character in both their matches, despite succumbing to the Portuguese attack in the last minutes of the game. They held out for a draw against France in a valiant display keeping the renowned French strikers limited to just a goal.
🇭🇺 Hungary remain unbeaten against France at EURO finals (W3 D2) 💪#EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/Gav1pPTzdc
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 19, 2021
The Marco Rossi led side has just one point and is currently last in Group F, they must win this match to keep their far-fetched dream of getting past the group stages alive.
TEAM NEWS
Leon Goretzka made a cameo against Portugal, signalling he is back to match-fitness while Jonas Hoffman has also come back to training. Lukas Klostermann suffered a thigh injury in training and didn’t make the squad on matchday two. The first-team lineup of Joachim Loew is all fit and ready to battle it out against Hungary on Wednesday.
Auf geht's! 💪#POR 0-0 #GER#DieMannschaft #EURO2020 #PORGER pic.twitter.com/dRkIVoF2LJ
— Germany (@DFB_Team_EN) June 19, 2021
Germany has played the same team in both their games and is likely to stick with it for the coming fixture as well. Loew is using a 3-4-3 formation to execute the mighty German press that saw Portugal crumble.
Germany Probable Lineup: Neuer; Rüdiger, Hummels, Ginter; Gosens, Kroos, Gündogan, Kimmich; Havertz, Gnabry, Muller
Hungary has missed its young and dynamic midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai as his adductor problems still persist, forcing him out of Hungary’s 26-man roster for the Euro finals.
Hungary was forced to make a change against France as captain Adam Szalai got a blow to his head that caused him visible discomfort. It was a precautionary measure and he might still feature in the next game. There aren’t any other injuries in the Marco Rossi squad.
Ádám Szalai didn't feel well due to effects of the heat. That's why he was subbed off. Weather is a serious factor. #HUNFRA
— Constantin Eckner (@cc_eckner) June 19, 2021
Hungary’s Italian manager has deployed his team in a 3-5-2 formation, not letting the opposition break into their box and wait for a counter-attacking possibility to hurt them.
Hungary Probable Lineup: Gulacsi; Botka, Orban, Attila Szalai; Nego, Kleinheisler, Nagy, Schafer, Fiola, Sallai, Adam Szalai
GAME CHANGERS
Robin Gosens has been brilliant for Atalanta, having 38 goal involvements since the start of the 19/20 season from the left wingback position. His performances earned him a spot in Loew’s starting XI and the 26-year old didn’t disappoint.
Robin #Gosens is the first Germany player to have a hand in 3 goals at the EUROs since @BSchweinsteiger in 2008 – also vs. Portugal 🇩🇪🇵🇹#DieMannschaft #GER #EURO2020 #PORGER pic.twitter.com/jxxrvMBypU
— Germany (@DFB_Team_EN) June 19, 2021
He makes full use of the attacking freedom the German system allows and keeps bursting forward to create an attacking opportunity for Germany. Gosens scored one and assisted two goals against Portugal, winning the man of the match award. His pressing and crossing will be crucial in breaking down Hungary’s resilient defence in Munich.
🔥 Robin Gosens scoops the prize following a fine display down Germany's left side 🅰️🅰️⚽️@Heineken | #EUROSOTM | #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/KOsT660fq3
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 19, 2021
Hungary’s number one Peter Gulacsi between the posts will hold the responsibility of keeping his side in the tournament as Germany will try and trouble him for most parts of the game. His opposite number Manuel Neuer has arguably been the only better goalkeeper in the Bundesliga over the last couple of years.
🇭🇺 Péter Gulácsi 💪#EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/IWulmhFmhT
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 19, 2021
The 31-year old Leipzig man will have further responsibility of leading the team in case Adam Szalai misses the next game. His double save against France in the first half kept the Magyars in the game and that kind of form will be needed again to keep the Germans at bay
PREDICTION
Germany are the clear favourites considering the talent and strength on their side, but they play a high line, taking the risky approach of leaving spaces behind. Hungary will try to keep their shape intact and not let Germany get shooting chances in their box. But the persistent German pressure might eventually consume the Magyars and see them falling out in the group stage.
FootTheBall predicts a 2-0 win for Germany, confirming a top-two position for them.