Germany became the first team to secure a place in the knockout phase of Euro 2024, following a 2-0 victory over Hungary on Wednesday. This success builds on their strong start to the tournament, having previously triumphed 5-1 against Scotland in their opening match.
Despite Hungary’s best efforts, the hosts prevailed in the final third thanks to Musiala’s goal midway through the first half, which came after captain Gundogan refused to give up in a hopeless situation in the box.
Just before the half, the Hungarians had an equalizer disallowed for offside. On the 67th minute, Gundogan extended Germany’s advantage after Maximilian Mittelstaedt’s assist.
Germany has won its first two games at a World Cup or European Championship for the first time since Euro 2012, suggesting that their recent difficulties are behind them.
Goalie Manuel Neuer stated, “We were determined to win today and confirm our performance against Scotland.”
Alba is saved by Gjasula
In other action on Wednesday, Klaus Gjasula of Albania scored goals on both ends, including a thrilling equalizer in injury time, as his team drew 2-2 with Croatia in Hamburg.
Following a depressing 3-0 defeat to Spain in their Group B opener, Qazim Laci took Albania an early lead, putting Croatia down once more.
But after the interval, Croatia got better, and with 16 minutes left, Andrej Kramaric tied the score before Gjasula accidentally broke through his own net.
But in the fifth minute of injury time, the Albanian midfielder turned into a last-minute hero, shooting into the bottom corner to rescue a draw for his club.
Croatia, who finished in the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup, would probably need to defeat Italy in their last Group B encounter on June 24 in order to advance to the tournament’s knockout round for the fifth time in a row.
Forward Kramaric declared, “We will believe to the very end, to give our best as we did in this match.”
“We are disappointed with our loss, but we are hoping for better fortune against Italy.”
Albania’s efforts against Croatia and Italy, which they lost 2-1, have earned them a lot of praise. However, they were unable to maintain a lead in either match, and they will likely need to overcome Spain in order to have a chance to advance to the round of sixteen.
The Brazilian player for Albania stated, “We have to move forward but we have to fight for every single point.”
“It’s important for our lives, the life of the country, the federation. I’m proud of the players so we have to enjoy the moment.”
Group rivals Spain and Italy meet in Gelsenkirchen in the standout tie on Thursday, while England face Denmark and Slovenia take on Serbia in Group C.