With a 0:1 (0:1) home defeat against Hungary, Germany gambled away its chances of reaching the final of the Soccer Nations League on Friday.
An early goal by Adam Szalai (17th) decided the game in Leipzig in favor of the guests, who clinched victory in Group 3 of Topliga A in a home duel with Italy on Monday. The Italians sealed the premature relegation of the “Three Lions”, who can no longer leave fourth place, with a 1-0 (1-0) win over England in Milan.
In the first defeat under team boss Hansi Flick, Germany caught a very weak first half without the Bayern stars Manuel Neuer and Leon Goretzka, who were infected with Corona, and even the rebellion after the break fizzled out against skilfully defending Hungary. The 34-year-old ex-Bundesliga professional Szalai became man of the match after a corner from ex-Salzburg player Dominik Szoboszlai with an artificial heel goal. Germany is now an unassailable four points behind the surprising leaders. The group final on Monday in London against England will be a pure prestige game.
Hungary now for group victory against Italy
At the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Italy kept the two-point deficit over Hungary constant thanks to a late goal from 22-year-old Napoli striker Giacomo Raspadoris (68′). The Azzurri need a win in Budapest on Monday to oust Szoboszlai and Co. from the top. England had more possession in the first half but didn’t create convincing chances. That changed after the break. However, it was Federico Dimarco who almost scored Italy’s second with a shot against the post five minutes from time.
So while England is leaving League A, Bosnia and Herzegovina are coming. Ermedin Demirovic (45+1) secured a 1-0 (1-0) home win over Montenegro in Group 3 of League B in Zenica and with one game to go he can’t be ousted from the top. Romania kept the chance of staying up alive with a 1-1 (0-1) win in Helsinki, but they need at least a point in their last appearance against Bosnia and support from Montenegro.
(APA)/Image: Imago