Germany triumphed over Hungary 2-0 to seize the top spot in Group A at Euro 2024, while Albania eked out a 2-2 draw against Croatia thanks to Klaus Gjasula’s last-second equalizer.
Goals from Jamal Musiala and Ilkay Gundogan propelled Germany into the round of 16 after securing a second consecutive 2-0 victory over Hungary. Meanwhile, Albania clawed back for a 2-2 tie with Croatia during Wednesday’s Euro 2024 group stage.
Hungary had a lightning start, squandering a prime opportunity to snag the lead in the opening minute when Germany’s keeper Manuel Neuer saved Joshua Kimmich’s sloppy back pass, thwarting Rolland Sallai.
Germany threatened with ten minutes on the clock as Kai Havertz weaved through Hungary’s defense, testing goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi from a promising range.
However, Gulacsi stood no chance ten minutes later when Willi Orban bungled inside his box, allowing Gundogan to assist Musiala, who capitalized to become the tournament’s first player to score twice.
Hungary launched a relentless bid for a draw, but Neuer stood firm against Dominik Szoboszlai’s free kick at thirty minutes and blocked another menacing shot by Jonathan Tah shortly after.
Marco Rossi’s squad momentarily celebrated an equalizer, only for the VAR to disallow Rolland Sallai’s goal for offside just before halftime.
Upon resumption, Germany maintained their grip on the game, though Hungary continued to pose threats, with Barnabas Varga narrowly missing from a precise Sallai cross at the hour mark.
The host nation cemented their victory in the 67th minute when Maximilian Mittelstadt’s cross found Gundogan, who calmly slotted for a 2-0 lead.
Julian Nagelsmann’s team remained formidable, but substitute players Leroy Sane and Niclas Fullkrug couldn’t extend the margin.
“At this level, stability is key. Hungary is a formidable opponent, but we stayed composed. Winning such matches is crucial, and we achieved that,” Nagelsmann remarked.
With this victory, Germany leads Group A with two wins from as many matches, followed by Switzerland, Scotland, and Hungary.
In another Group A match, Switzerland and Scotland played to a 1-1 draw courtesy of Xherdan Shaqiri’s powerful strike into the top left corner.
In Group B, Albania’s Klaus Gjasula shocked Croatia with a last-gasp 2-2 equalizer. Albania initially took the lead via Qazim Laci, only for Croatia’s Andrej Kramaric to level. An own goal by Gjasula temporarily tipped the balance in Croatia’s favor, but the midfielder atoned with a dramatic injury-time equalizer.
