Germany 2-2 Hungary: Initial reactions and observations

Initial reactions and observations

• Leon Goretzka and Jamal Musiala should’ve been introduced sooner. They elevated Germany’s game as soon as they entered and combined for the crucial goal that tied the game and saw Germany through.
• The attacking trio of Gnabry, Havertz and Sane was nothing short of abysmal. Really poor under possession, no productive moves/passes forward and really bad shots all around. At this point, Musiala should start games for Germany.
• Hungary played admirably well. They held their own against one of the best teams in the Euros (you can scoff at that) and almost secured a historic qualification in one of the hardest groups in forever.
• Hummels didn’t have a good game. The Germany defense can do much better. Really poor on set pieces and counters in general.
• Mueller’s loss was felt throughout. His role in organizing the team, giving it structure, directions and creating passing options and key chances is priceless. They sorely missed him, and once he was introduced onto the pitch, things looked much better up front.
• Germany just can’t afford to go down early. The opponents will all be super difficult to face from here, and conceding within the first 10 minutes isn’t going to help the team’s cause.

---

90+4’ — FT.

---

83’ — GOAL! 2-2! Germany level the score courtesy of Goretzka! Musiala makes an instant impact as he wriggles past his man and sends in a ball from the left flank. It eventually gets to Goretzka, who unleashes a rocket into the back of the net.

---

80’ — Hungary are defending with their lives and Germany have been unable to do anything about it. Joachim Loew looks frustrated, and would probably be getting his excuses ready for the post match conference.

---

71’ — This is quite possibly Germany’s worst defensive performance in the Euros so far. The attack isn’t looking much better either. The team just looks disjointed and lacks a punch.

---

68’ — GOAL! Hungary pounce back! Within less than a minute of Germany’s celebrations, Hungary completes a superb counterattack resulting in the ball being headed past Neuer, who is caught off position. 2-1!

---

66’ — GOAL! Kimmich sends in a beautiful ball from way outside that lands kindly for Havertz to head in. Game on! 1-1.

---

58’ — Substitution. Goretzka in for Gundogan.

---

56’ — Very boring from Germany so far. Nothing seems to be materializing for them at the moment. Very poor build up play.

---

46’ — The second half kicks off!

---

Halftime reactions and observations

• Hungary have looked super threatening with their counters and Roland Sallai has been the best player on the pitch.
• Germany are looking devoid of ideas going forward and this is resembling one of those games where a team has the mammoth’s share of the possession and chances but no end product.
• Germany’s attackers have looked very poor.
• The midfield has stagnated. Kroos and Gundogan aren’t offering any innovative solution, and are just VERY slow.
• Löw might need to make some subs to prevent what will be another humiliating exit from the group stages of yet another prestigious international competition.

---

45’ — HT.

---

30’ — Germany with the lion’s share of the possession, but with little fruit. The Hungary defenders are doing a great job defending in numbers, and it seems to be frustrating the Germans.

---

19’ — Germany playing very passively right now. The build up plays are looking decent, but the end product is lacking. Sound familiar?

---

11’ — GOAL! HUNGARY SCORE! Roland Sallai whips in an outrageous cross from long range with Adam Szalai heads in with ease past a helpless Neuer. 1-0 Hungary!

---

6’ — Both sides showing a lot of intent in the early stages. There has been one good chance on both sides so far.

---

1’ — Kickoff! And we’re underway in Munich!

---

One hour until kickoff: We have lineups! The surprise is that Sane starts instead of Goretzka, but the lineup is otherwise unchanged. Sane will need to have a huge game to silence the doubters.

---

It’s the final day of the Euros group stage, and Group F is still wide open. After their dominant 4-2 win over Portugal, Germany are looking to capitalize on their good form as Hungary visit a (disappointingly non-rainbow) Allianz Arena.

Unfortunately, the Germans will be missing Thomas Muller, who is a key part of the attack. How Jogi Low chooses to replace him could be key to the entire engagement. The good news is that Leon Goretzka is back in the team, and could be ready to make the starting XI. His presence should help offset Muller’s absence, provided the tactics are adjusted to play to Goretzka’s strengths. Meanwhile, Werner and Sane remain as options if the coach intends to field a more attacking lineup.

Group F was pinned as the hardest group even before the tournament began, and it has lived up to its billing so far. Both Germany and Hungary have it all to play for — which always makes for a cracking game of football. Let’s just sit back and enjoy the spectacle that the Euros have to offer.

---

Match Info

Location: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany

Time: 21:00 CEST

TV/streaming: ESPN+, Find Your Country

Tips for commenting:

1. If you’re a new member, feel free to introduce yourself. We’re mostly very friendly! Also, we’re from all parts of the world so don’t feel shy if you’re from a country that doesn’t seem represented on the blog.
2. SBN is a little slow to show new comments. Refresh the page regularly to keep up with the discussion, especially after goals.
3. The goal celebrations are for everyone to participate in! Even if you’re lagging behind the others, keep replying to the most recent call of the player’s name. Even if you missed the first call, just start from the second, and so on.
4. While swearing is allowed within reason, please be polite to your fellow posters and avoid gratuitous obscenities. Racist, homophobic, and misogynistic language is not allowed whatsoever.

Check out our beginners thread if you have any more questions. That’s about it. Auf geht’s!

Looking for an unending well of Bayern Munich content? Sign up for an SBNation account and join the conversation on Bavarian Football Works. Whether it’s full match coverage and analysis, breaking news or something completely different, we have it all.