UEFA EURO 2024 Group Stage
20 June, 2024 - Indian Date
Volksparkstadion
MATCH TIMES
India
09:30 PM
UAE
08:00 PM
Saudi Arabia
07:00 PM
MATCH LIVE INFO
Germany possible starting lineup: Neuer; Kimmich, Tah, Rudiger, Mittelstadt; Andrich, Kroos; Musiala, Gundogan, Wirtz; Havertz
Hungary possible starting lineup: Gulacsi; Orban, Lang, Szalai; Bolla, Nagy, Schafer, Kerkez; Sallai, Szoboszlai; Varga
Match Preview
Germany, the hosts of Euro 2024, have the opportunity to secure their spot in the knockout stages with a victory over Hungary in Wednesday's Group A clash at the MHPArena in Stuttgart. Julian Nagelsmann's side enters the match on a high after a record-breaking 5-1 demolition of Scotland, while Hungary is looking to bounce back from a 3-1 defeat to Switzerland.
Germany's performance against Scotland was nothing short of spectacular, setting the record for the largest opening win in the history of the men's European Championships. Young talents Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala were instrumental, scoring the first two goals, followed by Kai Havertz's penalty conversion after a foul on Ilkay Gundogan. Despite an own goal by Antonio Rudiger, further strikes from Niclas Fullkrug and Emre Can sealed the emphatic victory. This win places Germany at the top of Group A, ahead of Switzerland on goal difference, and they will confirm a top-two finish with a win against Hungary.
Nagelsmann's team is in good form, unbeaten in their last five matches, with four wins. They have extra motivation against Hungary, a team that has troubled them in recent encounters, including a 2-2 draw in Euro 2020 and a 1-0 defeat in the 2022 Nations League.
Hungary, managed by Marco Rossi, made a strong start against Switzerland with Nedim Bajrami's record-breaking goal after just 23 seconds. However, Switzerland quickly responded, and despite a late push, Hungary couldn't secure a point. The defeat leaves Hungary third in Group A, tied with Scotland on goal difference, making their match against Germany crucial for their top-two hopes.
Rossi's side has been consistent, with only two losses in their last 17 matches. Despite their recent setbacks, Hungary has maintained a 12-match scoring streak, which could provide some hope against the formidable Germans.
In terms of team news, Germany emerged from their win over Scotland without any injuries. Ilkay Gundogan is expected to retain his place in midfield alongside Musiala and Wirtz. Defenders Robert Andrich and Jonathan Tah need to be cautious as another yellow card would see them suspended for the final group match against Switzerland.
For Hungary, Loic Nego and Callum Styles were unavailable against Switzerland due to fitness concerns and are unlikely to start against Germany. Rossi might make a change on the right flank, potentially replacing Attila Fiola with Bendeguz Bolla or Endre Botka. Dominik Szoboszlai, Hungary's young captain, will be key to their attack, having provided the assist for Varga's goal against Switzerland.
Overall, this match is pivotal for both teams. Germany aims to secure their knockout stage berth with a game to spare, while Hungary needs a positive result to keep their qualification hopes alive in the tough Group A.