EURO 2024: Germany vs Hungary

 

Germany's Attacking Prowess

Germany's 5-1 victory over Scotland in their Euro 2024 opener was an emphatic statement of intent. The trio of Kai Havertz, Florian Wirtz, and Jamal Musiala were all on the scoresheet, showcasing the depth and quality of Germany's attacking lineup. With Ilkay Gundogan pulling the strings in midfield, Germany's offense appears to be firing on all cylinders.

Hungary's Defensive Concerns

In contrast, Hungary struggled defensively in their 3-1 loss to Switzerland. They conceded two goals in the first half and were unable to mount a meaningful comeback, despite Dominik Szoboszlai's late goal. Hungary's set-piece vulnerability, which has plagued them in recent Euros tournaments, will need to be addressed if they are to have any chance against the German juggernaut.

Key Battles

The battle between Germany's Joshua Kimmich and Hungary's Milos Kerkez could be pivotal. Kimmich, who has been deployed at right-back, has been dribbled past more times than any other player at Euro 2024 so far. Kerkez, the young Bournemouth defender, will look to exploit this weakness and cause problems for the German defense.

Prediction

Given Germany's impressive form and Hungary's defensive frailties, the Opta supercomputer predicts a 61.5% chance of a German victory. However, Hungary's ability to counter-attack and Szoboszlai's threat could pose problems for the hosts if they fail to capitalize on their chances.

Conclusion

The Germany-Hungary match promises to be an intriguing encounter, with both teams looking to secure their place in the knockout stages of Euro 2024. Germany's attacking prowess and experience will be put to the test against a determined Hungarian side, making for a potentially thrilling clash.

The Bad Tackle

Can't think of one yet.