5 Things we learnt from Germany 2-0 Hungary

Here are five things we learnt from Germany’s 2-0 victory over Hungary, Jamal Musial and Ilkay Gundogan were on target as die mannschaft progressed to the knockout stages in Stuttgart.

Jamal Musiala is a ⭐

Continuing as he did on German soil this season, Jamal Musiala has taken the lead in the golden boot race for Euro 2024, becoming the first player to notch their second goal of the tournament. Continuing on from his fine performance against Scotland, the 21-year-old shone again in his hometown of Stuttgart. Opening the scoring in the 22nd minute, he once again dazzled supporters with his low sense of gravity and exceptional dribbling.

Second win! Thanks for the great support Stuttgart 🫡🇩🇪 #euro2024 pic.twitter.com/727olgJ4q3
— Jamal Musiala (@JamalMusiala) June 19, 2024

Scotland made Germany look unbeatable 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

To take nothing away from Germany, back-to-back wins and seven goals scored is as good a start to a European tournament any team could ask for. However, Scotland may have proved that the 5-1 scoreline in the opening game was more down to Steve Clarke’s tactics than Germany’s performance. Hungary exposed a few defensive frailties, especially aerially, but failed to convert any of their big four chances in the ninety. Expect them to beat Switzerland to go undefeated in the group, but it will be interesting to see how this German side performs against a favourite such as England or France.

Knockout stages here we come 🙌🙌🙌#DFB #GermanFootball #GermanMNT #EURO2024 #GERHUN

📸 DFB/ Philipp Reinhard pic.twitter.com/GgCeHtsxqv
— German Football (@DFB_Team_EN) June 19, 2024

Toni Kroos ran the show 🎨

With the most touches and passes, the six-time champions league winner ran the show from midfield. Despite not grabbing the headlines for scoring or assisting, Kroos is the engine that makes this German team tick. His 95% pass completion was seen all over the pitch, whether that was dropping in at left centre back to start attacks, quick one twos in the middle of the pitch or a 50 yard switch of play. The only negative is that this will be the last time we see the master play the beautiful game, so enjoy it while you can.

Toni Kroos' game by numbers vs. Hungary:

◉ 147 touches (42 more than any player)
◉ 131 passes (36 more than any player)
◉ 31 passes into final ⅓ (19 more than any player)
◉ 13 passes into opp. box (5 more than any player)

Everything is under Kroos Control™#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/AgNmf0h6mr
— Play Squawka Selector for Free (@Squawka_Live) June 19, 2024

Hungary’s ‘Dark Horses’ predictions unjustified 🐎

Many predicted Hungary to be a potential dark horse of this tournament. A 14-game unbeaten run was only ended recently and the surprise 3-1 dismantling by Switzerland was not how many expected Valentino Rossi’s side to begin the tournament. A second defeat to Germany was an easier game to predict, however they did create chances and will hope that Scotland can defeat Switzerland to have a chance at qualifying for the round of sixteen.

Gratulálok a német csapatnak , Marco Rossi vonja le a konzekvenciát. #EURo2024  #Hungary pic.twitter.com/JoaXdgePJe
— Robert East (@freeride69x) June 19, 2024

Fullkrug will be key off the bench 🔑

Despite not scoring today, Niklas Fullkrug is the perfect tournament player. Coming to the tournament off the back of a 15-goal, 11-assist season for Dortmund, the big striker offers a different dynamic to Germany’s creative attacking front four. The ‘Old School’ number nine offers die mannschaft a vocal point in attack, and will be essential when the home nation needs a goal in the later stages. He’s scored twelve times in just eight appearances for Germany, and will be looking to add to that tally when they play Switzerland next.

Germany need to get Fullkrug on. Need a better box presence than Kai who’s been poor today.

Ball bouncing off him too much and he’s been weak in the penalty area.
— EiF (@EiFSoccer) June 19, 2024