With top spot looming, back the German efficiency
Buoyant from their 4-2 destruction of the reigning champions Portugal, Germany look to kick on towards the summit of Group F when they face Hungary on matchday three. The Hungarians fought valiantly once again and have a point to their name against the World Cup champions France as a result, putting Germany in a strong position to claim top spot should the French fail to beat Portugal. Having been written off going into the tournament Joachim Low’s Germany have snuck under the radar and are now looking one of the more impressive nations in the competition. The 3-4-3 system with dangerous wing backs Robin Gosens and Joshua Kimmich will push Hungary back, the underdogs are likely to match up to Germany sitting back with a defensive five.
Background
Hungary’s fighting spirit through adversity has been tremendous so far in Group F. It was crushing to watch them lose 3-0 to Portugal having held them goalless until the 84th minute, but it is credit to the character within the squad that they were able to pick themselves up and deny the Euro 2020 favourites a win on matchday two. Die Mannschaft have the attacking talent in the electric running and skill of Serge Gnabry, the wiley knowhow of Thomas Muller and the exuberance of Kai Havertz, however, they do not have anyone of the calibre of Kylian Mbappe. It was another strong display from the Paris Saint-Germain ace last time out, a constant thorn in Hungary’s side, but one that they coped quite well with overall, they will not be subject to such a defensive examination in this encounter.
Sadly the fighting spirit will not be enough to see Hungary qualify from Group F even with the third place rule, with the other three nations all having a win to their name already it is very tough. They deserve all the plaudits they receive for how they have applied themselves in Dominik Szoboszlai’s absence but Germany will have too much depth and quality. The carrot of group winners should be enough to fire up Low’s men with France and Portugal expected to be a closely fought contest.
It was an overperformance to score four against Portugal according to expected goals so I would expect Germany to be as potent in front of goal. Therefore getting Germany onside with an unders play excites me.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Hungary spring another surprise and exit the group of death with their heads held high. 2-2.