Germany vs Hungary
After their disastrous group-stage exit in the 2018 World Cup, Germany are in good shape to survive the Euro 2020 Group of Death and make it to the knockout round. All they need is a point in their last group game against Hungary to effectively take their place in the last 16.
However, Hungary did not make it easy for the other two Group F giants, and they defied the Euro 2020 betting odds by taking a point from world champions France.
But after playing their first two matches in front of a packed Puskas Arena at home in Budapest, Hungary now head to Munich to face the Germans, who will be determined to make it back to the knockout phase in front of their own fans.
Talking Points
Germany’s formation working well
Jogi Low must have felt quite vindicated after his Germany side produced a massive 4-2 victory over Portugal. The German boss had been criticised for his 3-4-3 formation, but it held up fairly well against the French in a narrow defeat and then pretty much tore the Portuguese apart.
Wing-back Robin Gosens was outstanding against Portugal as he created so many Euro 2020 highlights. He had a goal and an assist, but he also played some part in the two Portugal own goals. Fellow wing-back Joshua Kimmich was also excellent on the opposite side.
Low has started the same lineup in each of their first two games against France and Portugal, so he could make a few changes against Hungary. Veteran midfielders Ilkay Gundogan and Toni Kroos could be rested, as could the two wing-backs.
The Germans have dominated possession in their first two matches, and that is unlikely to change against Hungary. And with Hungary likely to keep things compact defensively, especially in the central areas, Gosens and Kimmich or whoever starts out wide have a big part to play in providing the width to help break the Hungarians down.
Hungary finally playing away from home
Hungary have been a pleasant surprise thus far in Euro 2020. They were expected to be the punching bag in Group F, but they have fought hard and have been competitive despite their massive talent disadvantage. They held out for 80-plus minutes against Portugal and stunningly held world champions France to a 1-1 draw.
However, the Hungarians had the advantage of having a capacity home crowd in Budapest cheering them on, something they will be missing in Munich against Germany.
Another potential miss for them could be captain and centre-forward Adam Szalai. The 33-year-old, who plays his club football in Germany, suffered a head injury against France and had to be substituted out.
Szalai’s possible absence would be a significant blow for Hungary, who do not have many goalscoring threats as it was, especially with Dominik Szoboszlai out injured.
After Szalai (23 goals in 73 caps), the next highest scorer on the squad is 33-year-old Nemanja Nikolic, who has eight goals in 39 caps. Nikolic came on for Szalai against France and will likely get the start against the Germans if Szalai is not available.
Hungary’s overall strategy is unlikely to change, though. They will continue to be more defence-oriented, with the RB Leipzig duo of goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi — who was impressive against France — and centre-back Willi Orban playing in familiar territory.
History
Germany and Hungary have a surprisingly competitive history. The Germans only have a narrow 13-10 edge in terms of wins, with 10 draws between them.
However, much of Hungary’s success came in the past, with the Germans dominating during the modern era.
Germany won their most recent meeting against Hungary in 2016. Thomas Muller was one of the goalscorers as Germany ran out 2-0 winners in the friendly.
Betting Tip
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Germany vs Hungary | Hungary Asian Handicap +2.25 @ 1.76 |
| June 24, 03:00 (GMT+8) |
SBOTOP odds have Germany installed as gargantuan 1.19 favourites to defeat Hungary, who are priced at 10.00 to win. A draw also has long odds at 7.20.
As impressive as the Germans looked against Portugal, Hungary could still pose them problems with their dogged defending. The lack of a home crowd to spur them on will certainly hurt, but Hungary have shown they can defend well enough to frustrate the likes of France.
They are highly unlikely to shock the world and beat Germany in Munich, but they are definitely capable of making this match close and fairly competitive, which is why I am backing the Magyars on the Asian Handicap market.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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 = €20 (Highly confident) |
= €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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