Despite some defensive hiccups, Germany sealed a spot in the knock-out rounds of Euro 2024 with a well-earned 2-0 victory against Hungary on Wednesday. Following the victory, the host nation sits atop of Group A with six points from two games. From a game in which both teams displayed defensive frailties, let us now take a look at how the Bayern Munich contingent fared.
Manuel Neuer
Even though he is no longer wearing the captain’s armband, Manuel Neuer showed great alertness and leadership on Wednesday. In the very first minute of play, Hungary’s Roland Sallai was in on goal after the central-defensive pair of Antonio Rudiger and Jonathan Tah failed to cope with what seemed like a hopeful long ball. Neuer came off his line to thwart the Hungarian attacker who was looking to score from inside the box. Had Neuer not been alert, the outcome of the game may have been different.
The sweeper-keeper made two other fine saves and was excellent in his distribution. Apart from a moment late on where he failed to gather a long punt into his penalty area, the veteran custodian was in fine form against Hungary.
Jamal Musiala
With Julian Nagelsmann fielding an unchanged side from the win against Scotland, Jamal Musiala started on the right flank. Despite some worries on the defensive end, the attacking quartet of Havertz, Gundogan, Wirtz and Musiala once again played fluid football.
Highlighting the flexibility in the German attack, Musiala tormented the Hungarian defense from both flanks before popping up centrally to open the scoring in the 22nd minute. In the 72nd minute, five minutes after captain Ikay Gundogan had scored Germany’s second goal, Musiala was replaced by Chris Fuhrich. It was another splendid performance from the Bayern Munich attacker. Considering the various injuries that Musiala has had to deal with over the past season, it’s refreshing to see him thriving for Germany without being required to play the entire 90 minutes.
Joshua Kimmich
Once again Joshua Kimmich looked at home in the right back position. He defended well when he had to and provided width in attack when the opportunity arose. While defending, the 29-year-old veteran made a key clearance off the line and also blocked two shots. In attack he managed four crosses and had a shot on target.
Kimmich played the entire game and was involved throughout it. With 94 touches and a 97% pass completion rate (71/73), Kimmich will be content with his performance. The Hungarians were a tougher challenge than the Scots, but Kimmich dealt with them comfortably.
Leroy Sané
Similar to the encounter against Scotland, Leroy Sané came off the bench to replace Florian Wirtz. This time around he joined the action just before the hour mark instead of just after it. Sané was deployed as an inverted winger on the right flank, and once again it was a hit and miss showing from the 28-year-old attacker.
Not too long after Gundogan had scored Germany’s second goal, Sané, under pressure, did surprisingly well to test the Hungarian goalkeeper from outside the box with his weaker right foot. Apart from this shot, Sane failed to make a lasting impact on the game. He may have to settle for a place on the bench in the upcoming games. (All stats courtesy- Sofascore)