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.

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.

Scotland stands on the cusp of history as they prepare to face Hungary on June 23rd. A victory would potentially secure their first-ever qualification for the knockout stages of a major tournament at Euro 2024.In 11 previous attempts, Scotland has consistently fallen short at the group stage. However, a battling 1-1 draw against Switzerland has rekindled hope and kept their dreams alive. A win against Hungary, who has lost both of their opening games, would likely be enough to secure second place in Group A or a spot among the four best third-placed teams that advance to the last 16.Scotland manager Steve Clarke had set a target of four points before the tournament began. The clash with Hungary presents Scotland's best chance of securing their first win at a major tournament since 1996. However, the Hungarians are also desperate for a victory to keep their hopes of qualification alive."When the draw was made, you were probably targeting the last two games," said Scotland midfielder Callum McGregor. "When you get a bad result, perspective goes out the window a little bit. It was probably the manner of the defeat the other night which made everyone feel a bit sore and not great.""As footballers, you have to deal with that. You have to try to put it right. We made the first step of putting it right and we arrive into the game on Sunday now with belief that if we play equally as well, if not better, we give ourselves a right good chance."Scotland captain Andy Robertson has expressed his belief that this squad has the potential to achieve "legendary status" by breaking new ground for the nation. However, they will need to overcome adversity to do so. Ryan Porteous remains banned after being sent off in the 5-1 thrashing by Germany in Munich. Injury to Kieran Tierney has deprived Clarke of another defender and one of Scotland's best players.Despite calls for more changes, nine of Clarke's squad have started both games. He must now decide whether to stick or twist in Stuttgart with a tight turnaround after an energy-sapping 90 minutes against the Swiss."We have to recover and bring the same energy level and the same tempo and the same aggression as we did against Switzerland," added McGregor.Tierney's injury opens the door for a change of system. Clarke has stumbled upon his preferred 5-4-1 formation to accommodate both the Arsenal left-back and Liverpool's Robertson in the same side. A switch to a back four would allow the former West Brom boss to include an extra forward player and make room for Bournemouth's Ryan Christie alongside the midfield four of McGregor, Billy Gilmour, Scott McTominay, and John McGinn.Many of the estimated 200,000 Tartan Army that have traveled to Germany are also calling for a change up front. Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland won player of the year awards in Scotland after scoring 31 goals this season. Yet, he has had barely a few minutes on the pitch in the opening two games as Clarke has opted for the extra mobility offered by Che Adams.Since taking charge in 2019, Clarke's loyalty has fostered continuity and a club-like team spirit that has brought his country back to two major tournaments after two decades in the wilderness. But a bolder approach may now be what Scotland needs to change their narrative on the international stage and end an unwanted record.

Hungary's coach, Marco Rossi, expressed his frustration over the officiating in their 2-0 defeat to Germany in a Euro 2024 qualifier. The controversial moment came in the first half when Jamal Musiala scored Germany's opening goal after a challenge on Hungarian defender Willi Orban.Rossi vehemently protested the decision, claiming that a foul should have been awarded. He accused the referee of using a "double standard" and allowing a goal despite a clear push on Orban. The video assistant referees (VAR) also came under fire from Rossi for not intervening."I've never complained as a player or coach, but what the referee did tonight was unacceptable," Rossi said. "He allowed a goal on a push on Orban, but in the second half, he whistled a foul for a similar situation on Robert Andrich."Rossi believes that Germany would have won regardless, but he criticized the referee for providing unnecessary assistance. He questioned whether the same decision would have been made if Germany were playing a stronger team like France.Germany's Ilkay Gundogan, who scored the second goal, expressed surprise at Hungary's reaction. He insisted that he had not committed a foul while jostling with Orban."I was quite surprised that he or his Hungary team-mates were a bit angry about it," Gundogan said. "I don't know what it looked like on TV, but I've played in the Premier League for seven years, and if you gave that foul there, everyone would be laughing."Hungary's hopes of reaching the last 16 are now hanging by a thread. They must defeat Scotland in their final game to have any chance of advancing."We have a foot out of the Euros, but we're not out of it mathematically," Rossi said. "We'll try everything to win the final game. We don't want to exit without getting a single point."

Germany vs Hungary: Hosts Aim for Second Win in Euro 2024Germany, the hosts of UEFA Euro 2024, will face Hungary on Wednesday night, aiming to extend their winning streak to two matches. The Germans made a resounding start to their campaign with a 5-1 victory over Scotland, showcasing the brilliance of Toni Kroos, Florian Wirtz, and Jamal Musiala.Hungary, on the other hand, endured a disappointing start, losing 3-1 to Switzerland. Coach Marco Rossi has expressed concerns about his team's performance and has warned that they must improve significantly to have any chance against Germany.Match Details:* Date: Wednesday, June 19 (IST)* Venue: Stuttgart Arena, Stuttgart* Time: 9:30 PM IST* TV Channels: Sony Sports Network* Live Streaming: SonyLiv app and websiteGermany's Strengths:Germany boasts a formidable squad with a blend of experience and youth. Kroos, the veteran midfielder, provides stability and leadership, while Wirtz and Musiala represent the future of German football with their exceptional talent. The team's attacking prowess was evident in their opening match, with Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, and Serge Gnabry all finding the net.Hungary's Challenges:Hungary faces an uphill battle against Germany. Their defense looked vulnerable against Switzerland, and they will need to tighten up significantly to prevent the German attack from exploiting their weaknesses. The team also lacks the individual quality to match Germany's star-studded lineup.Prediction:Germany is the clear favorite to win this match. They have a superior team on paper and are playing at home. Hungary will need to produce a much-improved performance to have any chance of an upset.Conclusion:The Germany vs Hungary match promises to be an intriguing clash between two teams with contrasting fortunes. Germany will be confident of securing another victory, while Hungary will be desperate to salvage their tournament hopes. The match will be a test of Hungary's resilience and Germany's ability to maintain their momentum.

Switzerland made a resounding start to their Euro 2024 campaign, securing a convincing 3-1 victory over Hungary in Cologne on June 15. Murat Yakin's side showcased their attacking prowess, scoring three goals in the first half to set the tone for the match.Kwadwo Duah, making only his second international appearance, opened the scoring for Switzerland in the 12th minute. The London-born forward capitalized on a perfectly weighted pass from Michel Aebischer to slot the ball past Hungary's goalkeeper, Peter Gulacsi.Aebischer, a Bologna midfielder, doubled Switzerland's lead just before halftime with a stunning long-range strike. The 25-year-old curled the ball into the far corner from 25 yards out, leaving Gulacsi with no chance.Hungary managed to pull one back in the second half through Barnabas Varga, who headed home a cross from Dominik Szoboszlai in the 66th minute. However, Switzerland's lead was restored in stoppage time when Breel Embolo chipped the ball over Gulacsi to seal the victory.The win was a welcome boost for Switzerland, who had endured a disappointing Euro 2020 campaign. They were eliminated in the quarterfinals by Spain on penalties after beating France in the round of 16.Switzerland's victory was also a testament to the team's resilience, as they had been plagued by reports of a rift between Yakin and his players over tactics. However, the team captain, Granit Xhaka, insisted that the air had been cleared before the tournament, and the players were fully behind their manager.Switzerland will face Scotland in their second Group A match on Wednesday, while Hungary will take on hosts Germany on the same day.

Hungary and Switzerland will clash in a pivotal Group A encounter at Euro 2024 on Saturday, June 15. Hungary, under the guidance of coach Marco Rossi, has emerged as a force to be reckoned with, thanks to the dynamic presence of Liverpool star Dominik Szoboszlai. Rossi has urged his team to embrace the pressure and prove their worth on the Euro stage.Switzerland, led by captain Granit Xhaka, is also brimming with confidence after a stellar season with Bayer Leverkusen. Xhaka, who helped Leverkusen secure the Bundesliga title and reach the Europa League final, is eager to lead his country to success at Euro 2024.The match will be played at the Cologne Stadium and will kick off at 6:30 pm IST. It will be telecast live on the Sony Sports Network and streamed live on the SonyLiv app and website.Hungary will be looking to build on their impressive performance at Euro 2020, where they reached the Round of 16. Szoboszlai, who scored the winning goal against Germany in the group stage, will be the key player for Hungary.Switzerland, on the other hand, will be aiming to make a deep run in the tournament. Xhaka, along with other experienced players like Xherdan Shaqiri and Yann Sommer, will be crucial to their success.The match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two evenly matched teams. Hungary will be eager to prove their credentials as an emerging force, while Switzerland will be determined to make a statement in their Euro opener.