Football

Germany's Nations League campaign ended with a 1-1 draw in Hungary, while the Netherlands were held to the same scoreline by Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Germans had already secured top spot in Group A3, while the Dutch were assured of second place. Hungary, despite the draw, remained four points ahead of Bosnia, who were already relegated.In Budapest, Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann made several changes to his team, which had clinched top spot with a 7-0 win over Bosnia last week. Felix Nmecha broke the deadlock in the 76th minute, but Hungary's Dominik Szoboszlai equalized from the penalty spot in the 99th minute."With a win, we would've gone into the break with a nicer feeling, but we can still be very satisfied about what we achieved in 2024 and can kick things off again in March," said German midfielder Robert Andrich.In Group B4, Wales secured automatic promotion to the top division with a 4-1 victory over Iceland. Turkey's 3-1 defeat in Montenegro meant that Wales finished one point ahead of the Turks.Czech Republic claimed top spot in Group B1 with a 2-1 win over Georgia. Ukraine leapfrogged Georgia into second place by defeating Albania.In League C, Sweden topped their group with a 6-0 thrashing of Azerbaijan. Viktor Gyokeres scored four goals for Sweden, while Dejan Kulusevski added a brace.

In a thrilling Nations League encounter, the Netherlands secured their place in the quarter-finals with a dominant 4-0 victory over Hungary. The match was marred by a medical emergency involving Hungary's assistant coach, Adam Szalai, who received treatment on the sidelines before being stretchered off.The Oranje took the lead in the 17th minute when Wout Weghorst converted a penalty after a handball by Tamas Nikitscher. Cody Gakpo doubled their advantage in the 11th minute of added time, dispatching another spot-kick after Zsolt Nagy fouled Donyell Malen.After the break, Denzel Dumfries sealed the Netherlands' victory with a well-taken volley in the 65th minute. Teun Koopmeiners added a fourth in the 86th minute, nodding in a cross from Malen.Meanwhile, Germany continued their impressive form with a resounding 7-0 win over Bosnia and Hercegovina. Jamal Musiala opened the scoring after just two minutes, followed by goals from Tim Kleindienst and Kai Havertz. Florian Wirtz netted a brace, including a stunning free-kick, while Leroy Sane and Kleindienst completed the rout.The emphatic result leaves Germany five points clear at the top of Group A3, while the Netherlands are second with one match remaining. In Group B1, Georgia and Ukraine played out a 1-1 draw, while the Czech Republic drew 0-0 in Albania. Turkey remain top of Group B4 after a 0-0 draw with Wales, while Iceland beat Montenegro 2-0.

France and Germany secured crucial victories in the UEFA Nations League on Monday, thanks to the contributions of stand-in forwards.In Brussels, France overcame fierce rivals Belgium 2-1, with Randal Kolo Muani scoring both goals for the visitors. Kolo Muani, who has started only two games for Paris Saint-Germain this season, has now scored in all three of his appearances for France against Belgium.Belgium, who have lost their last three matches against France, took the lead through Loïs Openda's header in the 38th minute. However, Kolo Muani equalized just before halftime, heading in Lucas Digne's cross.The Paris Saint-Germain striker then grabbed the winner in the 62nd minute, capitalizing on a defensive error to slot home from close range. France held on to their lead despite being reduced to 10 men after Aurélien Tchouaméni was sent off for a second yellow card in the 76th minute.In Munich, Germany defeated the Netherlands 1-0, with Jamie Leweling scoring the only goal of the game in the 64th minute. Leweling, who was making his debut for Germany, fired a powerful drive into the bottom corner from outside the box.The victory was a welcome boost for Germany, who have been struggling for form in recent months. It was also a fitting farewell for four players who recently retired from international duty: Toni Kroos, Manuel Neuer, Thomas Muller, and Ilkay Gundogan.Italy and Hungary also recorded victories in the Nations League on Monday. Italy defeated Israel 4-1 in Udine, with Mateo Retegui, Giovanni Di Lorenzo (2), and Davide Frattesi getting on the scoresheet. Hungary, meanwhile, beat Bosnia 2-0 in Sarajevo, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Martin Adam scoring the goals.With two group games remaining in November, France, Italy, and Germany are all on the verge of clinching a top-two finish and spots in the quarterfinals.

Germany's Nations League hopes received a boost on Friday as Deniz Undav's brace secured a 2-1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The win puts Germany on the cusp of the quarter-finals, while the Netherlands salvaged a 1-1 draw in Hungary despite playing with 10 men.Undav, making his second international start, opened the scoring for Germany in the 30th minute, tapping in a backheel assist from Florian Wirtz. The Stuttgart forward doubled his tally in the second half, converting Maximilian Mittlestaedt's cross. Bosnia responded with 20 minutes remaining through Edin Dzeko's header, but Germany held on for the victory.In Budapest, Hungary took the lead against the Netherlands through Roland Sallai's close-range finish. However, the Dutch equalized in the 83rd minute when Denzel Dumfries headed in a free-kick from Cody Gakpo, despite Virgil van Dijk's red card four minutes earlier.Elsewhere, Wales squandered a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with Iceland in Reykjavik. Brennan Johnson and Harry Wilson gave Wales a comfortable advantage at the break, but Iceland fought back in the second half with goals from Logi Tomasson and Danny Ward's own goal.Turkey defeated Montenegro 1-0, while Sweden and Slovakia drew 2-2 in Bratislava. The Czech Republic earned a 2-0 home win over Albania, and Ukraine defeated Georgia 1-0.

Germany's new generation of stars, Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala, showcased their brilliance in a dominant 5-0 victory over Hungary on Saturday. The young forwards orchestrated goals for each other, highlighting the promising future of German football.After the retirements of Manuel Neuer, Toni Kroos, Thomas Mueller, and Ilkay Gundogan, Wirtz and Musiala have emerged as the torchbearers for the national team. Their chemistry was evident from the start, as Wirtz's incisive pass found Musiala, who set up Niclas Fuellkrug for the opening goal.In the second half, Wirtz's long pass released Musiala, who doubled Germany's lead. Musiala then returned the favor, assisting Wirtz for a clinical finish. Aleks Pavlovic and Kai Havertz added further goals to complete the rout.The convincing win suggests that Germany has the talent to overcome the departures of their veteran players. Wirtz and Musiala, both 21, and Havertz, 25, form a formidable attacking trio that can lead the team to success in the years to come."It's fun to play with Flo," Musiala said after the match. "We need to keep building our chemistry and use every game to improve."Coach Julian Nagelsmann praised the atmosphere in the camp and the chemistry between the players. "When Wirtz and Musiala are on the pitch and they connect with each other, it's nice to watch," he said.Germany's new-look team also featured Pascal Gross filling in for Kroos and Marc-Andre ter Stegen making his debut as the number one goalkeeper. Fuellkrug, who had struggled to score for West Ham, showed his class with the opening goal.The victory sets Germany up for a tough test against the Netherlands in Amsterdam on Tuesday. Hungary, meanwhile, will host Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Manuel Neuer, the legendary German goalkeeper who lifted the 2014 World Cup trophy, has bid farewell to international football at the age of 38. With 124 caps and 61 appearances as captain, Neuer leaves an indelible mark on the German national team.His final international outing came in the heartbreaking quarter-final defeat to Spain at Euro 2024. Despite the disappointment, Neuer's legacy remains untarnished. He was the undisputed star of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, earning the Golden Glove award as Germany triumphed for the fourth time.Neuer's decision to retire was not made lightly. After consulting with his family and holding extensive discussions with Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann, he concluded that the time was right to step away from international duty."I was tempted to play until the 2026 World Cup, but I am convinced that now is the right time to take this step," Neuer wrote on social media. "I want to concentrate fully on playing for Bayern Munich."Neuer's Bayern career has been equally illustrious. He has won two Champions League titles and 11 Bundesliga crowns with the Bavarian giants. This season's Champions League final will be played at Munich's Allianz Arena, providing Neuer with a fitting stage to showcase his brilliance.Despite a serious leg injury sustained in a skiing accident in December 2022, Neuer returned to the Germany squad in time for Euro 2024. He reclaimed his starting spot and played a pivotal role in the team's run to the quarter-finals."It was a great time which shaped me and of which I am very proud," Neuer said. "Winning the World Cup title in 2014 and the special atmosphere during the European Championship at home this year are highlights for which I am extremely grateful."Neuer's retirement follows in the footsteps of fellow 2014 World Cup winners Thomas Mueller and Toni Kroos, who both announced their international retirements after Euro 2024. Current Germany captain Ilkay Gundogan has also stepped down from international duty.Neuer's departure leaves a void in the German goalkeeping ranks. Marc Andre ter Stegen of Barcelona is expected to take over as the number one goalkeeper, having served as Neuer's long-time backup.

Germany's Gundogan Retires from International Football After Euro 2024German captain Ilkay Gundogan has announced his retirement from international football after leading his country at Euro 2024. The 33-year-old midfielder made the decision after careful consideration and a successful tournament where Germany reached the quarter-finals."After a few weeks of reflection, I have come to the conclusion that it is time to end my national team career," Gundogan said in a statement released by the German Football Association (DFB). "I look back with great pride on 82 international matches for my home country - a number that I could never have dreamed of when I made my debut for the senior national team in 2011."Gundogan, who turns 34 in October, was a key figure in Germany's Euro 2024 campaign. He captained the team and played a pivotal role in their run to the quarter-finals, where they narrowly lost to eventual champions Spain after extra time."My highlight was clearly the huge honor of being able to lead the team as captain at our home European Championship last summer," said Gundogan, who currently plays for Barcelona.Gundogan made his international debut for Germany against Belgium in October 2011. He was part of the squad that won the 2014 World Cup, but missed the tournament due to a back injury. He was also ruled out of Euro 2016 due to a dislocated kneecap.Despite these setbacks, Gundogan has established himself as one of Germany's most respected and successful players. He has won the Premier League title with Manchester City and the Bundesliga title with Borussia Dortmund.Gundogan's retirement marks the end of an era for Germany. He was one of the last remaining players from the team that won the World Cup in 2014. His experience and leadership will be missed by the national team.

Thomas Müller, the iconic German striker, has announced his retirement from international football after a remarkable 14-year career with the national team. The 35-year-old forward, who has been a key figure in Germany's success over the years, will bid farewell after the conclusion of Euro 2024.Müller's decision comes after Germany's disappointing quarter-final exit at Euro 2024, where they were defeated 2-1 by Spain. The striker, who has played 131 times for his country and scored 45 goals, hinted after the game that he had played his last match for Germany.In a video statement, Müller expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent his country and the memories he has made along the way. "After 131 national team games and 45 goals, I am saying goodbye," he said. "It has been an incredible journey, filled with great victories and bitter defeats."Müller's international career has been marked by both individual and team success. He won the Golden Boot at the 2010 World Cup in his debut year with the national team, scoring five goals at the tournament in South Africa. He also played a pivotal role in Germany's 2014 World Cup triumph, scoring the opening goal in their famous 7-1 victory over Brazil in the semi-finals.Müller's unique style of play, characterized by his unorthodox movement and intuitive passing, has made him a fan favorite both in Germany and around the world. He has been praised for his ability to create chances for his teammates and score goals from seemingly impossible angles.Following Müller's announcement, tributes have poured in from across the football world. National team coach Julian Nagelsmann lauded his qualities as a player, adding that the German team would "miss him very much." Germany national team director Rudi Voeller described Müller as "unorthodox, intuitive, unpredictable," and said that his value to German football "cannot be overestimated."While Müller will no longer represent Germany on the international stage, he will continue to play for his club Bayern Munich, where he is under contract until 2025. He remains one of the most decorated players in German football history, having won numerous Bundesliga titles, DFB-Pokals, and the UEFA Champions League.

Spain's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has taken the Euro 2024 by storm, becoming the youngest scorer in the tournament's history. However, his remarkable performances have been tempered by a unique challenge: Germany's labor laws.Yamal, who will turn 17 on the eve of the final against England, has been a revelation for Spain. His goal against France in the semi-final was a moment of brilliance, showcasing his exceptional talent and composure.Despite his obvious ability, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has been unable to field Yamal for a full game due to German labor laws. These laws prohibit young people under 18 from working past 8 PM on weekdays and 11 PM on weekends.The Spanish Football Association (RFEF) faces a hefty fine of 30,000 euros if Yamal plays beyond the permitted hours. This has forced de la Fuente to substitute Yamal off in the latter stages of matches, limiting his playing time.De la Fuente has expressed his admiration for Yamal's talent, describing him as a "genius." He has urged the young forward to maintain his humility and work ethic, predicting a bright future for him."He's a player we have to take care of," de la Fuente said. "He has the maturity and attitude of a more experienced player. We are lucky he is Spanish and we can enjoy him for many more years."Yamal's situation highlights the challenges faced by young athletes who compete in countries with strict labor laws. While these laws are designed to protect young people, they can also limit their opportunities to showcase their talents on the biggest stage.