With Wednesday’s 2-0 triumph against Hungary in Stuttgart, Germany’s second Group A win—and a mathematical certainty of a place in the Euro 2024 Round of 16—was made possible by Barcelona midfielder Ilkay Gündogan. Although they did not score as many goals as they did in their first match against Scotland, the Germans were still in complete control of the match. However, the hosts were able to secure qualification with a game to spare thanks to a goal and an assist from Gündogan.

Due in large part to a Hungarian squad that was far from passive compared to Scotland, Germany did not appear as dazzling and dominating as they did in their match against Scotland. Manuel Neuer and the German defense were put to the test on numerous occasions as the visiting team displayed greater aggression in their pressing and counterattacking.

Despite this, the Mannschaft continued to have the better of the possession and scoring opportunities. The breakthrough came when Ilkay Gündogan, a player for Barcelona, made one of his spectacular runs into the box. Gündogan kept going until he won the ball from Willi Orbán and set up Jamal Musiala, who scored the second goal in as many games to put the Mannschaft ahead.

In tҺe Ԁying mоments befоre Һаlftime, Һungаry kept figҺting аnԀ cаme clоse tо equаlizing wҺen RоlаnԀ Szаlаi ҺeаԀeԀ tҺe bаll in. Һоwever, tҺe gоаl wаs ԀisаllоweԀ Ԁue tо а sligҺt оffsiԀe in tҺe builԀup. SҺоrtly аfter tҺаt, tҺe first Һаlf cаme tо а clоse in Stuttgаrt, enԀing аn exciting first Һаlf. WitҺ tҺe secоnԀ Һаlf unԀerwаy, everytҺing is still up fоr grаbs, аnԀ Һungаry is Һоping fоr а mirаcle tо sаlvаge tҺeir cҺаnces оf аԀvаncing tо tҺe rоunԀ оf 16.

In a similarly desperate fashion, the away team came out firing, throwing more players forward and putting Germany under genuine pressure as they set up a couple of excellent scoring opportunities from crosses and set pieces. For the opening twenty minutes of the half, the Germans were unable to maintain possession of the ball and appeared slightly overmatched.

In the 67th minute, however, the Germans doubled their lead and effectively sealed the win thanks to an outstanding display of teamwork that culminated in a stunning low cross by Maximilian Mittelstädt and a cool, collected finish by Gündogan on the left foot.

With Gündogan substituted for Deniz Undav in the 84th minute, Germany aimed to coast to victory while preserving a clean sheet. With the last whistle, Germany earned six points and advanced to the next round. The mission was completed.

Gündogan’s importance to Germany’s prospects was once again highlighted by the team’s self-assurance, accuracy, and quality. With a Barça player in the middle, the Germans look great at home.