Germany’s 2-0 defeat of Hungary in its second group stage match of EURO 2024 marks the first time the Germans have shut out an opponent in tournament play since EURO 2016 — in a 3-0 Round of 16 victory over Slovakia.
With the win, Germany became the first team in EURO 2024 to qualify for the knockouts. Now here are some more numbers to chew on:
Toni Kroos is a mad lad
The now-retired Real Madrid midfielder’s passing is world renowned. Now he is turning in a second straight progressive passing clinic at the European Championships for Germany. This time the margin is unreal…via OptaJoe, as captured by @iMiaSanMia:
Players with the most line-breaking passes at #EURO2024 so far:
47 – Toni Kroos v Hungary
30 – Toni Kroos v Scotland
21 – Vitinha v Czechia
20 – Luka Modrić v Albania
19 – Giovanni Di Lorenzo v Albania [@OptaJoe]
That is, add up the next two single-game performances — and neither Paris Saint-Germain’s Vitinha or Kroos’ Real teammate Modrić are slouches — and it still comes up short of Kroos’ mark of 47 versus Hungary.
Add up the next three and it’s less than 80% of Kroos’ output from his first two matches.
Germany back to its attacking best
Thanks more to its 5-1 opening banger against Scotland, the Germans are the prolific scorers of the tournament so far. In fact, according to BBC Sport (via @iMiaSanMia), the current mark of seven goals is a Germany record for a group stage at the men’s EURO.
Germany scored six in 2021 and three in 2016.
Gündoğan’s return to form
İlkay Gündoğan is having the time of his life in German national team colors — but it hasn’t always been easy for the former Manchester City and current FC Barcelona star. According to OptaFranz (via @iMiaSanMia), it’s been five years since Gündoğan notched both a goal and assist in the same match:
Match stats and a look at the table
Unlike the Scotland game, Hungary had real chances in this one, notably from set pieces, and it is reflected in the match stats — 1.13 xG, 11 shots (four on target) and seven corners.
But the Germans dominated possession and box threat:
After Switzerland drew Scotland in the final match of the day on Wednesday, Group A at EURO 2024 was left with Germany clear leaders — but Switzerland have a chance to leapfrog the Germans with a win:
The dust will settle when Germany and Switzerland go head to head on Sunday (3PM EDT kickoff).
Looking for more thoughts and analysis on Germany’s big EURO 2024 win over Hungary? Then check out our Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show on Spotify or below: