Germany can seal the last-16 spot with a win, whereas Hungary can qualify with a victory against the hosts and with a little help from France in the other game.
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Group of death is heading into the final match day with all four teams well in contention to qualify for the round of 16. Germany will host Hungary at the Allianz Arena aiming to seal a spot in the round of 16 after last weekend’s thrilling 4-2 win against the defending champions Portugal. Whereas Hungary who are considered the minnows in Group F, ferociously fought against the World champions France to earn a point in the previous fixture. A win would definitely guarantee Joachim Low’s side a place in the round of 16 meanwhile Hungary will need to beat Germany and hope Portugal lose against France in the other fixture to secure the second spot.
Joachim Low’s side displayed an impressive performance against Portugal to earn three points after their 1-0 loss to France in the opening match. The match at Allianz Arena was probably the most exciting game of the tournament so far. The Bavarians came back after going down to Cristiano Ronaldo’s opening goal.
The Germans equalized through an own goal by Ruben Dias before earning the lead through another own goal, this time by Raphael Guerreiro. After the break, Kai Havertz and Robin Gosens completed the thrashing. Diego Jota’s 67th minute goal turned out to be just a consolation. The Germans defended well to hold on to the two goal lead.
On the other hand, Hungary fought hard against Didier Deschamps’ side to earn a point after losing the first match 3-0 against Portugal. In front of a packed Puskas Arena, the home side got the lead through wing-back Attila Fola in the first half. However, Antoine Griezmann leveled the score after the interval. Therefore all four sides are very much in the race to qualify for the knockout stage.
Joachim Low has some injury concerns as Thomas Muller is unlikely to be available because of knee injury. Whereas Mats Hummels is also having a slight niggle in his knee but is expected to be fit for the game, if not, Niklas Sule can come in at the central defence alongside Antonio Rudiger and Matthias Ginter. Muller and Hummels were recalled to the German national team after a gap of two years and they justified their selection in the previous game.
Both the 2014 World Cup winning veterans displayed great leadership qualities and experience to lead a young line-up. Muller was involved in most of Germany’s attacks whereas Hummels brilliantly marshaled the defence. The Bayern Munich forward’s positional awareness and clever thinking allowed Serge Gnarby and Kai Havertz to blossom around him.
Another Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane is likely to come in for Muller on Wednesday with Gundogan playing a slightly advanced role. Last match’s hero Gosens is going to be Germany’s key weapon. The Atalanta left-back almost single handedly demolished the Portuguese defence last weekend. His marauding runs down the left flank and powerfully struck crosses paved the way for three of Germany’s four goals. Meanwhile the 26-year-old scored the fourth goal, before being substituted.
Joshua Kimmich is sure to start at the opposite wing. Toni Kroos is going to be the holding midfielder. Defensive midfielder Leon Goretzka is back from injury and Low could turn to the Bayern Munich man if he wants to add a bit more strength and solidity in the midfield.
Hungary boss Marco Rossi is likely to start with the same team that started against France. Peter Gulcasi will keep his place in the goal with RB Leipzig’s Willi Orban, Attila Szalai and Botka forming the three-man defence in front of him. Last game’s goal scorer Fiola will occupy the left-wing and Loic Nego is going to be deployed at the opposite wing.
Nagy, Schafer and Kleinheiser will form the midfield trio. Meanwhile, captain Adam Szalai and Roland Sallai will be tasked with finding the back of the net.
The previous meeting between the two sides was way back in 1954, the final of FIFA World Cup, in which West Germany beat the legendary team lead by Frank Puskas to lift their first world title.
Although Germany are the clear favourites to take all three points on home soil, the Hungarians will be hoping for a miracle at the Bavarian city.
