Germany and Hungary renew acquaintances in UEFA Nations League

Germany and Hungary renew acquaintances in UEFA Nations League

Eric Munene 15:03 - 07.09.2024

Germany beat Hungary 2-0 in the Euros an are now seeking to repeat the same with a new transition to the team

Hungary will be hosted by Germany in their Group A3 opener of the UEFA Nations League, rekindling a competitive rivalry.

This encounter is not just another fixture; it’s a continuation of their recent battles, including their summer clash at Euro 2024.

Germany emerged victorious with a 2-0 win in that match, securing their place in the knockout stages, while Hungary faced an early exit from the tournament.

That victory marked Germany's first win over Hungary in their last four meetings, a much-needed triumph following two draws and one loss.

The previous UNL cycle also saw these teams face off, with Germany finishing third in their group behind Hungary, who claimed second place.

Germany's performance in the UNL has been inconsistent, with only three wins in their last 16 matches (D9, L4).

The team is currently in a transitional phase, having bid farewell to stalwarts like Thomas Muller, Manuel Neuer, Toni Kroos, and Ilkay Gundogan.

Hungary, on the other hand, has experienced a slight dip in form, with their defeat to Germany in June marking their third loss in five matches (W2).

Before this downturn, Hungary had been on a formidable unbeaten run of 14 games (W9, D5).

Head coach Marco Rossi has responded to recent challenges by introducing new talent, with Balázs Tóth, Bence Gergényi, Gábor Vas, Antal Yaakobishvili, and Tamás Nikitscher all making appearances in this international window.

Hungary's recent successes include notable away wins, such as their 4-0 demolition of England at Wembley and a 1-0 victory over Germany in Leipzig. As such, Germany must approach this match with caution.

Key players to watch include Germany’s Kai Havertz, who has been in impressive form with four goals this year and continues to excel domestically with Arsenal.

For Hungary, Barnabás Varga, fresh off an injury scare at the Euros, is in good shape, scoring twice in his last two club games and netting three times in his last four international appearances.

Tags: