Germany-Hungary is a match for the fifth day of the Nations League and is scheduled for Friday at 20:45
GERMANY-HUNGARY
That this is the Nations League of surprises is clearly demonstrated by the current standings of League Group 3, the iron group with three “noble” national teams such as Germany, Italy and England vying for the top spot. With two days to go, at the top is Hungary, the selection that by all accounts at the time of the draw should already have ‘booked’ the last place and relegation to League B. Instead, the four matches in June have completely overturned the hierarchies. And, despite still needing a feat to pull it off, the Magyars are still in the running to win the Final Four.
Coached by Italian coach Marco Rossi, Szoboszlai and his teammates have seven points, one more than the Germans. They are followed by the Azzurri on five and the English, last and almost cut off, who have only scraped together two. It is a real dream that the Hungarians are living, already able in the last European championship to come close to a resounding qualification in a group with Germany, Portugal and France. Rossi and his men are specialising in playing the role of spoilsport and are ready to go all out in the last two matches with Germany and Italy. The revelation of this edition of the Nations League was able to beat England twice – including a legendary 0-4 at Wembley – and draw (1-1) with the Germans in Budapest. The only defeat the Magyars suffered was in Italy, losing 2-1 in Cesena.
Unbeaten for thirteen matches, Germany had limped through the first three days, recording three draws in a row with Italy, England and Hungary, all ending 1-1. Hansi Flick’s Mannschaft had then suddenly found themselves in Monchengladbach, overwhelming Roberto Mancini’s Azzurri with goals (5-2). A success that allows them to be at this point the favourite to snatch access to the Final Four, especially if another three points should arrive in Leipzig with the Hungarians. Flick, however, will not be able to count on captain Neuer and Goretzka, both positive at Covid-19. Roland Sallai’s heavy absence will also reduce Rossi’s attacking options.
Zsolt Nagy
The Prediction
When they wake up, Germany are scary and they proved it in their last match against Italy. Normal for a national team that is going through a transition phase. In any case, success should come against the hostile Hungarians, a well-organised team that will play with the serenity of those who have nothing to lose. The total goals, on the evening of the Red Bull Arena, should be at least three.
The Germany-Hungary line-up probables
- GERMANY (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Kehrer, Sule, Rudiger, Raum; Kimmich, Goretzka; Hofmann, Muller, Sané; Werner.
- HUNGARY (3-4-2-1): Gulacsi; Lang, Orban, At. Szalai; Nego, Schafer, Styles, Fiola; Adam, Szoboszlai; Ad. Szalai.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-1
