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A young German side took the field on Saturday for the first time since their heartbreaking Euro 2024 quarter-final defeat at the hands of Spain. Since the competition ended, Germany had to bid adieu to four legendary footballers with Toni Kroos, Thomas Muller, Ilkay Gundogan and Manuel Neuer announcing their retirement from international football.
The hosts were the more dominant side right from the off in Dusseldorf and could have taken the lead in the 20th minute when Musiala created an excellent goalscoring opportunity for Niclas Fullkrug, however, the West Ham forward’s attempt from a close range was stopped by Hungarian goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi.
Seven minutes later though, the German managed to break the deadlock as Fullkrug finally found the back of the net. Wirtz initiated the move as cut inside the penalty box from the right side before sending a cross towards David Raum. The left full-back did a wonderful job to quickly feed Musiala with a pass who in turn squared the ball towards Fullkrug.
Wirtz X Musiala ✨#DFB #GermanFootball #GermanMNT #GERHUN
📸 DFB/ Philipp Reinhard pic.twitter.com/9PQaORfHmW
— German Football (@DFB_Team_EN) September 7, 2024
The Germans began the second half with a similar intensity that they showed in the first 45 minutes. After providing the assist for the opening goal, Musiala doubled the team’s lead in the 57th minute with a solo effort from a quick counter-attack. The Bayern star almost ran the length of the pitch before he dribbled past Bendeguiz Bola inside the Hungary box and found the back of the net.
Nine minutes later he contributed with a second assist as he set up Wirtz with a pass on the edge of the box. The 21-year-old composed himself before firing a shot from nearly 18 yards to further extend his nation’s lead.
In the 77th minute, Aleksandar Pavlovic netted his maiden international goal once again from Bayern team-mate Musiala’s assist while Kai Havertz completed the rout four minutes later by scoring from the penalty spot.
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Getty ImagesTHE MVP
With a goal and three assists, Bayern Munich star Musiala was the star performer for Germany on the night. The young attacking midfielder was an absolute livewire on the pitch and was the prime architect behind his team’s domination against the Hungarians.
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Getty Images SportTHE BIG LOSER
The entire Hungary backline completely collapsed in front of an unstoppable German attack. Wirtz and Musiala constantly tormented the defenders with their quick moves and silky touches while Havertz and Fullkrug made sure they imposed constant threat in the opposition box.
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Getty Images SportMATCH RATING (OUT OF FIVE): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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(C)Getty ImagesWHAT COMES NEXT?
Julian Nagelsmann’s side will face Netherlands on Tuesday. On the same day, the Hungarians will lock horns against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Source goal.com
