Germany predicted to face Hungary
Having started their Euro 2024 campaign in style, Germany are looking to make it a double when they face Hungary on Wednesday.
After thrashing Scotland 5-1 in the opening game of the tournament, spirits will be high for a rejuvenated Germany team. Julian Nagelsmann's young guns shone particularly against the Tartan Army, but goals from the bench meant the former Bayern Munich coach had few selection problems.
Hungary, who recently lost 3-1 against Switzerland, will not be pupuvers, as Germany found out in recent meetings. They are winless in three against their second-tier group rivals, but a renewed sense of belief in a talented squad should help Germany maintain their good start in Stuttgart.
Here's how Germany could face Hungary in their second Euro 2024 exit.
GK: Manuel Neuer – Despite calls for Marc-Andre ter Stegen to start ahead of the tournament, Nagelsmann has put his faith in the 38-year-old Neuer. He was not called upon much against Scotland and should be very busy against Hungary.
RB: Joshua Kimmich – He may prefer to play in midfield, but Kimmich is a right-back. The man from Bayern was raiding up and down against Scotland, and even provided the assist for Florian Wirtz's opener.
CB: Antonio Rudiger – Having made no mistake against the brilliant Che Adams last time out, Rudiger somehow came from a 5-1 rout with a goal to his name. He will be hoping for better luck against Hungary.
CB: Jonathan Tah – A potential candidate to join Kimmich and Neuer in Bavaria next season, Tah has been in good form for Bayer Leverkusen and continued that during the opening game.
LB: Maximilian Mittelstadt – After an impressive season with Stuttgart, Mittelstadt has earned his place at left-back at Euro 2024. He will return home for the match against Hungary.
CM: Robert Andrich – Having been subbed off at half-time in the opening game, Andrich should not be in danger of losing his place despite impressive points from Pascal Gross and Emre Can. He has to be careful because he is too late to be stopped.
CM: Toni Kroos – Making one last appearance before retirement, Kroos' tribute episode got off to a good start. Another lackluster display from the latest Champions League winner makes him all the more important right now.
RM: Jamal Musiala – The youngster scored his first goal of the competition last week and was a menace on the right, drifting into central areas to take defenders out of the area. Watch out for Hungary.
AM: Ilkay Gundogan – He thrived in an attacking midfield role with his good vision and touch. The Barcelona midfielder somehow managed to avoid injury from Ryan Porteous' fearsome challenge last week.
LM: Florian Wirtz – After winning the Bundesliga Player of the Season award, Wirtz scored the first goal of Euro 2024 with a fine finish. Having him and Musiala up front is not good.
ST: Kai Havertz – Borussia Dortmund's Niclas Fullkrug has done his best to steal Havertz's starting spot with a fine performance off the bench, but the Arsenal man's place is safe for now. He also scored against Scotland from the penalty spot and provides a different dimension in attack.
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