Germany advance after 2-2 draw with Hungary

On the last day of group stages action, Portugal, Germany and Spain booked their spot for the knockout phases. While Portugal qualified as one of the best third-placed teams following their hard-fought 2-2 draw against France, for the second time in as many tournaments. Germany scraped through the last 16 stages fighting back twice and holding Hungary to a 2-2 draw. It was a see-saw battle in Group F, the Group of death of this year's tournament with all four teams being in contention till the 80th minute of their matches.

MUNICH: Substitute Leon Goretzka scored a last-gasp equalizer and secured Germany a spot in the last 16 following a 2-2 draw with resilient Hungary at the Football Arena Munich here.

The Germans took the reins from the start and were able to keep Hungary's defence busy in the opening period on Wednesday.

Hungary's defence was able to soak up Germany's pressure and frustrated the hosts with the opener against the run of the game as Adam Szalai headed home a long ball into the penalty area with 11 minutes into the match.

Germany remained in control but failed to create dangerous chances in the final third against Hungary's bulwark.

With 21 minutes gone, Germany eventually reaped their first promising chance after Mats Hummels headed into the crossbar from close range. It remained Germany's only noteworthy chance against the deep-defending visitors.

After the break, Germany took over again but Kai Havertz's effort on target was an easy task for Hungary goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi in the 52nd minute.

Germany were finally able to level the scores with great assistance of Gulacsi, who underestimated a sweeping free-kick from Toni Kross, allowing Kai Havertz to head home into the open goal in the 66th minute.

Hungary's resistance wasn't broken yet as Marco Rossi's men restored their one-goal lead with their next attack after Szalai's assist found Andras Schafer, whose header beat the onrushing Germany custodian Manuel Neuer two minutes later.

Germany head coach Joachim Low reacted and fielded Thomas Muller, Timo Werner, Jamal Musiala and Kevin Volland. Low's substitution paid off in the dying minutes of the game as Musiala's build-up and Werner's blocked shot landed in the path of Goretzka, who made no mistake and scored the crucial equaliser after slotting the rebound past Gulacsi.

With the draw, Germany clinched their berth in the round of 16, while Hungary crashed out of the tournament.

France (5 points) finished on top of Group F followed by Germany, Portugal (both 4 points) and Hungary (2 points). IANS

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