Germany is set to face Hungary on November 19th in the final Group C match of the UEFA Nations League 2024/25. The game will take place at Puskás Aréna Park in Budapest. This match marks the conclusion of the group stage for both teams, with the top two teams from the group moving on to the quarter-finals, which will be contested over two legs, both home and away, in March 2025.
The German team comes into this fixture leading Group C, having amassed 13 points from 4 wins and 1 draw. Hungary, on the other hand, is in third place with a total of 5 points, achieved through one win, two draws, and two losses.
Despite being just three points behind the Netherlands, Hungary has been eliminated from quarter-final contention. Their chances were extinguished by a 4-0 defeat to the Netherlands last Saturday, which handed the Dutch team the tie-breaker advantage. Even if Hungary and the Netherlands both finish with 8 points after this matchday, the Netherlands will advance based on head-to-head results.
With the outcome of the game having no impact on the final standings for either team, it is anticipated that both coaches will opt for significant squad rotations. Germany has already announced that Alexander Nübel will start in goal, replacing Oliver Baumann. Additionally, they might field Nico Schlotterbeck as a centre-back, filling in for the suspended Jonathan Tah.
Hungary will have a full squad available, as veteran defender Atila Fiola returns from suspension. The Hungarian coach is expected to give some of his younger players valuable playing time against one of the world’s top teams to gain experience.
Germany
Germany has been the dominant force in Group C, securing a comfortable qualification for the quarter-finals of the UEFA Nations League.
Germany kicked off their group stage campaign with a dominant performance against Hungary, winning 5-0 in September. The German side maintained control with superior possession and more attempts on goal, limiting Hungary to just 6 shots compared to Germany’s 23.
Matchday 2 saw Germany encounter their only group stage draw, finishing 2-2 against the Netherlands after the Dutch equalized in the second half. Germany then secured a narrow 2-1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina and later exacted revenge on the Netherlands with a 1-0 triumph. In their most recent clash, Germany annihilated Bosnia and Herzegovina with a resounding 7-0 win.
Overall, the German team can take pride in their tournament performance to date. Their attack has been relentless, consistently putting pressure on their opponents while dominating possession. Notably, Germany has recorded three clean sheets in five matches, a testament to the skills of goalkeeper Oliver Baumann.
Hungary
Hungary will likely feel let down by some of their results, particularly against the less formidable teams in their group. Following their initial 5-0 defeat to Germany, they had an opportunity to bounce back against Bosnia and Herzegovina but ended that match in a goalless draw.
In a spirited contest against the Netherlands, Hungary managed a 1-1 draw. They then achieved a 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, setting up a crucial match against the Netherlands on Saturday. However, Hungary’s hopes of advancing were dashed as they suffered a comprehensive 4-0 defeat, eliminating them from the competition.
Germany Vs Hungary Predictions
Historically, Germany has consistently outperformed Hungary, and this trend is anticipated to continue in their upcoming match on Tuesday. Even with potential changes in Germany’s starting lineup, they are still expected to be the overwhelming favorites.
It’s important to mention that Captain Joshua Kimmich sustained a minor injury in the game against Bosnia-Herzegovina, which might lead to him being rested. In his place, Benjamin Henrichs is expected to assume the role at right-back.
We predict a decisive victory for Germany, likely maintaining a clean sheet against one of the group’s less formidable offenses.
