Germany were held to a 1-1 draw with Hungary in their final Nations League group game thanks to a penalty by Dominik Szoboszlai deep into added time.
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Germany held 1-1 in BudapestFelix Nmecha opens scoringHungary hit back with late spot-kickFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱AFPTELL ME MORE
Julian Nagelsmann made widespread changes to his team for the game, with only Joshua Kimmich and Robert Andrich retaining their places in the starting XI from the side that smashed seven past Bosnia and Herzegovina last time out. The decision showed as Germany looked disjointed in a goalless first half in Budapest.
Serge Gnabry had his team’s best efforts but fired wide on two occasions, while Szoboszlai looked lively for Hungary. However, it was Zsolt Nagy who had the hosts' best chance in the first half, forcing Germany stopper Alexander Nubel into a decent save at the end of the opening 45 minutes.
Germany did get the ball in the net on the hour but Julian Brandt was clearly offside when he smashed the ball into the top corner. All of which saw Nagelsmann send on Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz and Florian Wirtz in search of a goal, and he almost saw a result straightaway as the Arsenal striker hit the post with a low effort.
Yet Hungary should have scored after Barnabas Varga swapped passes with Roland Sallai and was sent through on goal, only to see his low shot tipped around the post by Nubel. A goal always looked likely, however, and duly arrived on 76 minutes when Felix Nmecha slotted home the winner from close range on his first start for Germany after Nico Schlotterbeck headed a corner back across goal.
That looked to be that until one final attack from Hungary brought a penalty when Robin Koch was adjudged to have handled the ball. Up stepped Szoboszlai who made no mistake with a cheeky Panenka to salvage a point with the last kick of the game.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE MVP
Szoboszlai takes the plaudits after rescuing a draw for the hosts when the game looked over. The Liverpool midfielder had been an influential presence throughout and managed to show real composure and character to produce a cheeky penalty that beat Nubel.
Getty Images SportTHE BIG LOSER
Nagelsmann basically started his second string against Hungary after making nine changes to his starting XI but saw his side unable to take the three points. The match offered his squad players the chance to impress but instead highlighted a lack of strength in depth in the Germany camp. Indeed it was no surprise to see Nagelsmann turn to Musiala, Wirtz and Havertz when he needed a goal and his team looked far more dangerous with the trio on the pitch.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
The game still wraps up a successful Nations League campaign for Germany who finished in top spot and unbeaten. Nagelsmann's side will now turn their attentions to World Cup 2026, with the European qualifying draw set to take place in Zurich on December 13.