Germany takes on Hungary in the final game of the group stage, and viewers across the world are more than eager to see how the standings look in Group F when the final whistle is blown. Germany were drawn into Group F along with Hungary, Portugal, and France, and this group was very rightly termed as the “Group of Death”. With France the only team out of the 4 to have a knockout stage spot guaranteed so far, there is set to be a mighty scrap on our hands between the other three nations for the two remaining spots.
The Germans were in fine form last time out when they thrashed Portugal 4-2 at the Allianz Arena. It was a game awaited by many, as the two European heavy-weights went head-to-head and it did not disappoint. Portugal took the lead in the first half, but Germany roared back with 2 goals to take the lead at halftime. They scored a couple more goals in the second half before Portugal got a consolation goal late on. With both nations now level on points, it remains to see who will take the second, or even the top spot, with Portugal, set to take on group leaders France at the same time on Wednesday night.
Coach Joachim Lowe will have been delighted to see his side’s ruthless domination against the defending Euro Champions, but will also be wary of the threat that Hungary possesses. Die Mannschaft bounced back brilliantly after that opening loss to France and will look to continue the form against Hungary, who are looking to score an unlikely round of 16 places.
Hungary on the other hand defended for their lives after taking the lead against France, and the World Champions came close to winning the game but had to settle for a draw after some poor finishing by the French strikers and resolute defending by the Hungarians. It was an unexpected point, as many had predicted them to be brushed aside by the Les Bleus.
With a point from 2 games, they still have a chance, however slim, of making the knockout round, provided they win on Wednesday night and results elsewhere go their way. It is a tough ask for the Hungarians to beat Germany, but they proved that they are capable of springing surprises against France, and coach Marco Rossi has reiterated that he hopes his team can come up with another brilliant effort to propel them into the Round of 16.
TEAM NEWS:
Thomas Muller is a doubt for the clash against Hungary owing to the knee injury he suffered towards the end of the Portugal match. Along with him, defender Mats Hummels and Lukas Halstenberg, and midfielder Ilkay Gundogan also missed training on Monday and remain doubts for the final group game.
Hungary could be without striker Adam Szalai after suffering a blow to his head in their draw against France. Nemanja Nikolic could replace him and lead the line with fellow forward Roland Sallai.
PREDICTED LINEUPS:
Germany predicted XI vs Hungary: Manuel Neuer; Matthias Ginter, Mats Hummels, Antonio Rudiger; Joshua Kimmich, Ilkay Gundogan, Toni Kroos, Robin Gosens; Leon Goretzka, Kai Havertz; Serge Gnabry.
Hungary predicted XI vs Germany: Peter Gulacsi; Endre Botka, Willi Orban, Attila Szalai; Gergo Lovrencsics, Laszlo Kleinheisler, Adam Nagy, Andras Schafer, Attila Fiola; Roland Sallai, Nemanja Nikoli.
PLAYER TO WATCH OUT FOR:
Kai Havertz
The Chelsea man did not have a great individual season with his club but was able to win the UCL with a fine performance that saw him grab the winning goal in the final. He looked to continue that form in the Euro and worked very hard in the opening game, but was stifled by the staunch French defense. However, he showed his true talent and class in the second game against Portugal and he looked dangerous every time he got on the ball.
Havertz was masterful in finding spaces and forced two own goals from the Portuguese defence due to his habit of constantly attacking the German crosses into the box. He then got a goal for himself in the second half to cap off a wonderful display, and will certainly be the man to get things moving for his team come Wednesday. He looks in form and seems to have found his rhythm.
PREDICTIONS:
Germany vs Hungary: 2-0
