Host Germany advances to Euro 16, Scotland and Croatia draw – Sports

Hosts Germany became the first team to advance to the knockout stages of Euro 2024 with a 2-0 win over Hungary on Wednesday, while Scotland drew with Switzerland and Croatia were held to a draw by Albania, leaving their hopes of advancing in tatters.

Germany thrashed Scotland 5-1 in their opening match of the tournament, before beating Hungary in Stuttgart, with Jamal Musiala and Ilkay Gundogan scoring in the first and second halves respectively.

Julian Nagelsmann’s side have a maximum of six points in Group A and with one game left, they are certain to advance to the last 16 as runners-up in the group.

Hungary put up a stubborn resistance but the hosts showed superior strength in the final third, with captain Gundogan refusing to give up in the box and Bayern Munich star Musiala opening the scoring midway through the first half.

In the 67th minute, Barcelona’s Gundogan scored a goal assisted by Maximilian Mittelstadt, and Germany doubled its lead.

Recent struggles appear to be a thing of the past, with Germany winning their first two games of a World Cup or European Championship for the first time since Euro 2012.

“We were determined to win today and show that we are good against Scotland,” goalkeeper Manuel Neuer said.

“We dominated and deserved to win. You could see the jubilation in the stadium.”

Hungary’s hopes of qualifying are now in jeopardy as group opponents Switzerland and Scotland were tied 1-1 in their match in Cologne on Wednesday night.

“Good response”

With the support of a large crowd, Scotland took an early lead when Callum McGregor passed the ball to Scott McTominay, who fired home after Fabian Schell had touched the ball.

However, Switzerland equalised when Shaqiri latched onto Anthony Ralston’s pass and fired the ball beautifully into the net at first sight.

Switzerland saw Dan N’Doye miss a great chance in the second half and Breel Embolo had a goal ruled out for offside, but Scotland eventually won the tie, keeping their hopes of victory alive.

They might even have won the game as Grant Hanley hit the post with a header late in the game.

“The players knew what they needed to do. I thought it was a great team performance against a good team,” Scotland manager Steve Clarke said.

“It was a great response to a disappointing night and we are still alive to compete.”

Euro 2020 quarter-finalists Switzerland may have enough points to qualify, but a draw with Germany on Sunday would secure second place.

Scotland have not won a major tournament since beating Switzerland 1-0 at Euro 1996 but could still qualify with a win over Hungary in Stuttgart.

Jasura saves Albania

Elsewhere, Albania’s Klaus Jasura scored at both ends of the pitch, including a brilliant equaliser in injury time as his side drew 2-2 with Croatia in Hamburg.

Croatia fell behind again after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Spain in their opening Group B match, before Kazim Raqi gave Albania the lead.

But Croatia improved after the half-time break, with Andrej Kramaric equalising with 16 minutes left before Jasura scored an own goal.

However, the Albanian midfielder came through in the final moments, firing the ball into the bottom corner in the fifth minute of injury time to secure a point for his side.

2022 World Cup semi-finalists Croatia will now likely need to win its final Group B match against defending champions Italy on June 24 to reach the knockout stages of a fifth consecutive major tournament.

“We will believe in it and try our best like we did in this game,” forward Kramaric said.

“Unfortunately we didn’t win but we hope to be luckier against Italy.”

Albania won a lot of praise for their impressive performances against Italy (lost 2-1) and Croatia (lost 1-2), but failed to hold on to the lead in both games and may have to beat Spain to keep their hopes of reaching the last 16 alive.

“We have to move forward, but we have to fight for every point,” said Albania’s Brazilian coach Sylvinho.

“This is important for our lives, the life of the country, the life of the league. I’m proud of the players, so we have to enjoy this moment.”

Group opponents Spain and Italy will play a focus match in Gelsenkirchen on Thursday, while England will face Denmark in Group C and Slovenia will face Serbia.