Germany vs Hungary: Team news and predicted lineups
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Germany vs Hungary: Team news and predicted lineups

18/06/24 14:53

Germany vs Hungary Match Preview

The 2024 European Championships are set to continue, with hosts Germany facing Hungary at the MHPArena in Stuttgart. Die Mannschaft, after their impressive 5-1 victory against Scotland, are aiming to continue their strong start and solidify their position at the top of Group A.

Under the guidance of Julian Nagelsmann, who took over as coach last year, Germany is eager to recapture the success they enjoyed in past tournaments. The opening day thrashing of Scotland is an excellent start, however many question if it was a top German performance, or a very lacklustre Scottish one.

It was the largest victory by a host nation in their opening match at a European Championship, and Germany’s most significant tournament win since their 7-1 triumph over Brazil in the 2014 World Cup semi-final.

Hungary's start to their third consecutive European Championship was disappointing, falling short of high expectations after an impressive 14-game unbeaten run that ended just recently. Much excitement surrounded Dominik Szoboszlai, who made his tournament debut as the youngest captain in Euros history at 23 years old.

Despite the anticipation, the team's performance did not meet their aspirations in the opening match. Marco Rossi’s side look to bounce back from a 3-1 defeat to Switzerland and they will need to be on top form to challenge Germany. After being 2-0 down at half time, Hungary's performance in the second half against the Swiss was far better. However Germany’s high press and energy in the first half against Scotland means they must be ready from minute one this Wednesday.

Germany vs Hungary Team News

Germany is expected to maintain their strong lineup from the opening match. In attack, the combination of Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, and Kai Havertz shone against Scotland. Player of the match Musiala looked particularly special, his goal being one of many highlights as he danced around the pitch making the game look effortless. With Niclas Füllkrug providing additional firepower from the bench, this game may be the telltale if this new look Germany can be the real deal this summer.

Hungary, on the other hand, will look to captain Dominik Szoboszlai and goalscorer against Switzerland Barnabas Varga if they are to have a chance against this German side. Conceding three against Switzerland, Hungary’s defense, led by Willi Orbán, will need to be at their best to withstand Germany's relentless and fluid attack. The team will likely focus on quick counter-attacks and set pieces to exploit any German defensive lapses, similar to Antonio Rudigers error against Scotland.

Germany possible starting lineup: Neuer; Kimmich, Tah, Rüdiger, Mittelstädt; Andrich, Kroos; Musiala, Wirtz, Gundogan; Havertz

Hungary possible starting lineup: Gulácsi; Bolla, Orbán, Szalai; Fiola, Nagy, Schäfer, Kerkez; Sallai, Szoboszlai; Varga

What the coaches say

Julian Nagelsmann, Germany coach: "We know the match against Scotland was a good first step. I don't think it makes any sense to preach caution after such a victory. I want to give the team as much energy as possible, but I am feeding off their energy as well. Work is a lot of fun at the moment and we'll try to perform on a similar level on Wednesday. We need to win a lot more matches if we want to achieve our goals."

Marco Rossi, Hungary coach: "We wanted to avoid Germany, not just because they are hosts but because of their quality. They are a different class. We met in the last Nations League, and after this European Championship we will meet again in the 2024/24 Nations League, so it will be six times in three years. In the last three matches, we haven't lost once against them; we have one win and two draws. We hope to continue this positive streak, even knowing that what awaits us will be a completely different game."

We say: Germany 3-1 Hungary

Die Mannschaft enters the match as clear favourites, spurred on by their opening victory and the home advantage. However, they were beaten in their last meeting with tomorrow’s opponents, losing 1-0 in the UEFA Nations League in Leipzig in 2022.

We predict a 3-1 victory for Germany, with Hungary managing to find the net but unable to contain Germany’s attacking prowess. Expect Hungary to start much better than they did against Switzerland, and even press Toni Kroos, however the overall German quality may be a bridge too far for many’s dark horses tournament pick.

Benji Kosartiyer
Journalist
Patrick McGahren

Writer

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