Germany have secured their place in the knockout rounds with a second victory in just as many games, this time beating Hungary, 2-0, last night in Stuttgart.
The host nation had to work a bit harder for this one than for their 5-1 laugher of a win over Scotland to begin the tournament, but the outcome was never really in doubt. Hungary did miss several gilt-edged opportunities (including one inside of 20 seconds), but fortune (and the overall balance of play, in fairness) favored the Germans, including VAR letting their first goal stand despite an obvious foul on the Hungarian defender by İlkay Gündoğan.
Hungary are not quite out of it yet, but will need to beat Scotland in their final group game to have any hope of advancing.
Speaking of Scotland, they managed to score a proper goal this time, but would have to settle for a 1-1 draw against Switzerland. Scotland’s goal, from Scott McTominay, came via a massive deflection while the Swiss goal was set up by an errant backpass (though Shaqiri’s finish was tremendous), which underlines just how small the margins can be in football sometimes.
The draw leaves Switzerland in second and assured of a top-three finish; they will play Germany next, with just seeding for the knockout rounds on the line.