Germany claws back for difficult tie with Hungary to secure second place

Germany narrowly escaped the group stage in the dying minutes of their match against Hungary thanks to a late-game goal from Leon Goretzka to tie up the score at 2-2. The Germans spent the majority of the game at a one-goal deficit as Hungary came out and got an early lead, but ultimately couldn’t hang on in the end. Germany, just minutes away from elimination, finished second place in Group F thanks to this draw and will go on to face England in the Round of 16. Hungary finished last place and will go home as the other three teams in the “Group of Death” move onto the knockout rounds.

Ádám Szalai got things started with a goal for the Hungarian side in the 11th minute, keeping hopes alive for his side in the tournament early in the game. The first half ended with Hungary leading 1-0, but it only took Germany 21 minutes after the second half whistle blew to pull an equalizer back, thanks to a strike from Kai Havertz. Just when the Germans thought they had a draw in the bag, Hungary struck again just two minutes later courtesy of András Schäfer in the 68th minute. With Hungary now essentially parking the bus in hopes of keeping Germany off the scoreboard, it wasn’t until late in the game when Germany found their second equalizer thanks to a shot at the near post from Leon Goretzka.

Hungary wasn’t able to find a third goal as the game ended 2-2, and their time in the European championship came to a close. Germany outshot their opponents 16-8 overall, while putting six on target to Hungary’s four and controlling 70 percent of possession throughout the game. Germany will face off against England on Tuesday in the first round of the knockout stage.