Germany’s 2-0 win over Hungary sealed its progression to the knockout round and allowed some maligned players to show the world that they still have “it.”
Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer captured the clean sheet, but he was not the only one who stepped up. Let’s not waste any more time, here are some quick hitters on the match:
- Julian Nagelsmann’s starting XI remained the same, as it should have based on the Scotland result:
- Neuer and İlkay Gündoğan had both come under fire of late and both made good statements. Neuer had the aforementioned clean sheet and Gündoğan had a goal and an assist.
- One other player who had heard some detractors was Kai Havertz and he did not fare nearly as well as his two teammates. Havertz could find his starting spot in jeopardy at some point, but it seems like Nagelsmann is not quite ready to pull the trigger on that just yet. Havertz will need to really start to produce to quiet the noise surrounding him.
- Luckily for Havertz, it is not as if Füllkrug is seizing every opportunity (though he has been better than Havertz so far).
- It would also be great to see Maximilian Beier get some run at some point.
- Jamal Musiala scored the opener and stayed hot. The youngster put forth a solid showing.
- It is good to see Musiala playing with such confidence. Sure, he had a few dribble-into-a-wall moments, but this is a very dangerous version of Musiala.
- Chris Führich put in a nice shift as a substitute by completing 13/14 passes, winning both ground duels, and only losing possession once.
- Hungary was game, but did not seriously threaten Germany. This has turned out to be a very fortuitous draw for the Germans. Scotland was overwhelmed by the moment, Hungary just could not push itself to the level needed, and Switzerland just is not the same as it was only a couple of years back.
- Center-backs Jonathan Tah and Antonio Rüdiger put in a very solid showing, while Joshua Kimmich and Maximilian Mittelstädt might have been even better. The backline is really coming along nicely for Nagelsmann.
- Kimmich completed 97% of his passes (71 of 73) and only lost possession five times. Once again, the Bayern Munich star was spectacular.
- Overall, Germany did what it needed to do. The knockout stage milestone has been achieved and fans can exhale a bit. Now, it is a matter of the squad continuing to improve to reach its potential. Switzerland could be a test, but Germany just needs to keep pushing forward and maintain its focus. Sure, that game will not mean much, but Nagelsmann should avoid letting any doubt seep into this squad. Germany is riding high, so there is no reason to let it risk coming back down.
If you missed our Initial Analysis, Match Awards, Observations, and Postgame Podcast, give them a look or a listen:
According to a report out of England, Bayern Munich could be looking closely at Liverpool FC center-back Joe Gomez:
The Mirror has reported that Liverpool star Joe Gomez has established himself on Bayern Munich’s radar as a potential summer target as part of the Bundesliga side’s squad revamp. Bayern have since turned attention to bringing in Jonathan Tah from defending Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen, whose transfer to Munich could mean that Kompany’s outfit cools interest in Gomez.
Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Arsenal FC, Juventus, Newcastle United, and Paris Saint-Germain are all reportedly taking a close look at Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin:
The future of Andriy Lunin appears to be getting more and more uncertain with each passing day. Currently in European Championship action for Ukraine, Lunin will face a crucial decision this summer as he looks to choose between continuity at Real Madrid and a move to a new club.
Ukrainian legend Igor Belanov has recently tipped Lunin to leave Santiago Bernabeu this summer, as he claims the goalkeeper is unhappy with his role at Real Madrid.
Should Lunin leave Real Madrid in the coming summer, there should be no shortage of suitors for the Ukrainian international. According to SPORT, top clubs from Europe’s best five leagues are on the hunt for Lunin this summer and the battle is intensifying with each passing day. In Spain, Atletico Madrid are eyeing a move for Lunin as a potential replacement for Jan Oblak. In the rest of Europe, clubs like Bayern Munich, PSG, Manchester City and Juventus are all keen on acquiring the services of the Real Madrid goalkeeper.
Lunin’s compatriot Igor Belanov has already urged him to join Bayern, who are looking for a long-term replacement for Manuel Neuer. Arsenal too are interested in the 25-year-old shot-stopper. Coach Mikel Arteta is a huge admirer of the Ukrainian international and is ready to go all out on him this summer. The same can be said for Newcastle United as well.
EURO 2024 is underway and Germany started it with a bang! The 5-1 win over Scotland at the Allianz Arena was a thing of beauty, which has given fans hope that this Nagelsmann-led Germany side could make a real splash at this tournament. Bayern Munich, meanwhile, signed Stuttgart defender Hiroki Ito, but the rumors didn’t stop there.
In this episode, INNN and Samrin discuss the following:
- What do we think of Germany after that impressive showing against Scotland? Where are the strengths and weaknesses?
- INNN and Samrin disagree on the combination of Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz.
- Can Germany go all the way in this tournament?
- Were Germany good or Scotland bad? Does it matter?
- What Nagelsmann could afford to change in upcoming games.
- Switching gears to Bayern Munich — a rundown of what’s going on with recent rumors and the board.
- Why Alphonso Davies CANNOT be allowed to leave for free next season.
- Is the media giving us the wrong picture?
- The strange situation with Dayot Upamecano and how it might affect defensive planning (including Matthijs de Ligt).
- How much is Vincent Kompany involved in squad planning? Where might things go from here?
Bayern Leverkusen could make its push for VfB Stuttgart center-back and Germany international Waldemar Anton:
Exclusive | There have already been at least two calls between Xabi #Alonso and Waldemar Anton!
Leverkusen now pushing to sign the 27 y/o center-back from Stuttgart and offering a contract until 2028!
For Anton, there’s a competition between Leverkusen, Dortmund and VfB… pic.twitter.com/H84F2uVljD
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) June 17, 2024
Exclusive | There have already been at least two calls between Xabi #Alonso and Waldemar Anton!
Leverkusen now pushing to sign the 27 y/o center-back from Stuttgart and offering a contract until 2028!
For Anton, there’s a competition between Leverkusen, Dortmund and VfB Stuttgart now. No verbal agreements yet. No final decision from Anton yet.
Anton can leave @VfB due to a release clause: €20-25 million without a deadline.
Plettenberg checked back in with additional information as well:
⚪️ Been told Waldemar #Anton has definitely not yet made a final decision about his future.
However, the captain of @VfB knows that Leverkusen, in particular, is pushing hard to sign him.
Xabi Alonso has called multiple times as revealed yesterday. Talks with Bayer 04 about a long-term contract.
His release clause of €20-25m can be triggered at any time. Anton, now focused on his ‚home game‘ in Stuttgart against Hungary.
@SkySportDE
FC Barcelona and Manchester City are talking about the possibility of João Cancelo maybe extending his stay in Catalonia for a bit longer:
Barcelona and Manchester City are locked in talks over João Cancelo, who spent last season on loan at La Blaugrana.
Rumored Bayern Munich transfer target Michael Olise could be on his way from Crystal Palace to Chelsea FC:
Michael Olise has reached an agreement over personal terms with Chelsea, who remain in talks with Crystal Palace over a deal worth over £60m.