Gündoğan scores and assists to help Germany through to the last 16 of Euro 2024
Captain's job for İlkay Gündoğan with the German national side today. The Barça midfielder is a key man in Julian Nagelsmann's side and his worthy performance for the host country sees them the first to mathematically qualify for the last 16 of Euro 2024. Today's win over Hungary (2-0) adds to the opening match win against Scotland (5-1) to see them through.
Gündoğan was instrumental in this victory, first hassling to provide the assist for the first goal of the game by Musiala, before scoring the second himself. The standing ovation he received when substituted after 83 minutes with the game almost won at 2-0 was testament to his efforts on the pitch.
Dogged determination for the assist
The Germans were finding it hard to break down a well organised Hungary side until Gündoğan showed more belief than anyone to hunt down what looked like a lost cause. After winning the ball, he passed to Jamal Musiala and the Bayern Munich player duly opened the scoring.
A goal we've seen before
Now in the second half, the hosts still weren't comfortable and Manuel Neuer's goal was being tested most. Then in the 67th minute, Gündoğan's ability to arrive in the box was again on show, as he hung back from the defence, received Mittelstädt's cutback and finished first time with his left past Gulacsi. The goal seemed to settle the Germany's nerves and they went on to ensure classification for next round of Euro 2024, having been led by Gündoğan, who won the Player of the Match award.