Germany Held to Draw by Hungary in Nations League Clash

BUDAPEST: In a thrilling conclusion to the Nations League group stage, already-qualified Germany faced a surprising challenge from Hungary, resulting in a 1-1 draw. The match, held on Tuesday, saw Hungary's Dominik Szoboszlai score a penalty in stoppage time, equalizing after Felix Nmecha had given Germany the lead in the 76th minute.

Germany had already secured their place in the quarter-finals after a stunning 7-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina just days earlier. This allowed coach Julian Nagelsmann to make significant changes to the lineup, rotating nine players for the match against Hungary. Despite the changes, Nagelsmann expressed mixed feelings about the performance, stating, "I don't really want to talk too much about today's game. We did some things right and some other things not." He acknowledged that the team took time to adjust but emphasized the importance of looking at the bigger picture.

Hungary, who had already qualified for the League A/B playoffs, came out strong, testing German goalkeeper Alexander Nuebel with several attempts. The hosts were without assistant coach Adam Szalai, who was recovering from a health scare during a previous match. Germany, known for their attacking prowess, struggled to find their rhythm and lacked the explosive energy displayed in their last match.

After halftime, Germany improved, with Kai Havertz hitting the post in the 63rd minute. However, it was Nmecha who finally broke the deadlock, scoring from a goalmouth scramble. Just when it seemed Germany would secure the win, Szoboszlai's late penalty brought Hungary back into the game, showcasing their determination and spirit.

Germany finished the group stage at the top with 14 points, alongside the Netherlands, who also drew their match against Bosnia. As they look ahead to the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the team is eager to restore their international reputation after a series of disappointing tournament exits in recent years.

Reflecting on the year, Nagelsmann expressed a sense of optimism, stating, "I am overall satisfied with our year if you exclude the Euros and what we could have potentially achieved there." He noted the team's development and expressed confidence that they would be better prepared for future competitions.

As Germany prepares for the upcoming qualification matches, fans will be hoping for a return to form and success on the international stage. The journey ahead is filled with challenges, but with a strong foundation and a commitment to improvement, the team is poised to make a significant impact in the years to come.