Germany v Hungary – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Germany faces Hungary in the UEFA Nations League on Friday. Die Mannschaft were eliminated in the quarter-finals of the Euros, while Hungary failed to advance from their group. The two nations met during the tournament, where Germany won 2-0 in their second match.

Germany Form

Since Julian Nagelsmann took over, Germany has shown significant improvement. After a difficult start, they went on an eight-match unbeaten run, including a 2-0 win away against France and a 2-1 victory over the Netherlands in Germany. They began the Euros with an emphatic 5-1 win over Scotland.

After defeating Hungary 2-0, they secured a late 1-1 draw against Switzerland in their final group match to top the section. In the round of 16, they edged past Denmark 2-0 after some VAR controversy. However, their tournament ended with a 2-1 defeat to Spain in the quarter-finals, despite a strong second-half performance.

Germany Team News

Manuel Neuer has retired from international football, so Marc-Andre ter Stegen is expected to start in goal. Antonio Rudiger and Mats Hummels are not included in the squad.

Uncapped Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller has received his first call-up. Toni Kroos, Thomas Muller, and Ilkay Gundogan have all retired from international duty. Pascal Gross could start in midfield.

Germany Motivation

Germany has historically struggled in the Nations League, and coach Julian Nagelsmann will be keen to change that.

Although the squad is much younger, Nagelsmann will be playing to win this match.

Hungary Form

From November 2022 to March 2024, Hungary went 14 matches unbeaten and topped their Euros qualifying group. However, they did not face any traditional footballing powerhouses during that run. Ahead of the European Championships, they lost 2-1 to the Republic of Ireland but bounced back with a 3-0 win over Israel.

In the Euros, they suffered a 3-1 loss to Switzerland in their opening match, followed by a 2-0 defeat to Germany in their second fixture, which left them with little chance of advancing. They did manage a 1-0 win over Scotland in their final group match, with the goal coming in the 10th minute of added time.

Hungary Team News

Coach Marco Rossi has dropped six players from his Euros squad for these Nations League fixtures, including 53-cap Panathinaikos midfielder László Kleinheisler. West Brom midfielder Callum Styles has also been left out.

Once again, Hungary will rely heavily on a core group of experienced players. Péter Gulácsi will start in goal, with Willi Orbán anchoring the defense. Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai will captain the side, following an impressive season at the club level.

Hungary Motivation

Hungary are an entertaining side that typically avoids ultra-defensive tactics. However, they often struggle to convert chances into goals.

They will likely view a draw in Germany as a positive result.

Key Stats

Germany has lost just 1 of their last 9 matches.

Germany has won 3 of their last 6 matches against Hungary (2 draws, 1 loss).

Hungary has lost 3 of their last 5 matches (after going 14 matches unbeaten).

Hungary has seen Both Teams to Score – No in 5 of their last 7 matches.

Verdict

Germany should have the upper hand in this match, but with an inexperienced squad under Nagelsmann, a narrow win is likely.

Best Bet: Germany to win to zero at 2.05

Alternate Bet: Germany to win by exactly 1 goal at 3.65

Correct Score Tip: Germany 1-0 Hungary at 7.25

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis