Late Goretzka goal sees Germany in last 16
MUNICH -A late Leon Goretzka goal salvaged a 2-2 draw for Germany against Hungary yesterday night, in a whip-saw contest that sets the Germans up for a June 29 Round of 16 match against England at Wembley.
The Germans were teetering on the brink another shock tournament exit after Adam Szalai’s diving header in the 11th minute had put Hungary in front.
Kai Havertz eventually drew Germany level in the 66th minute, only for Hungary to retake the lead seconds after the re-start as Andras Schaefer ran onto a pass and headed in.
Goretzka bagged the crucial equaliser in the 84th minute to send Germany through in second place behind France in Group F on four points.
“We made mistakes but we fought, showed character,” said Germany coach Joachim Loew.
“It was not for the faint-hearted. At the end to come through this group was good and that was the aim.”
“What matters is that we are through.
“Now we play with England and we can look forward to that match,” he said.
“It is an absolute highlight to play at Wembley against England. We will be a different team than tonight, I can promise you that.”
The run-up to the game had been overshadowed by UEFA’s refusal to allow the stadium to be lit in rainbow colours to oppose a Hungarian anti-LGBTQ law, and a protester waving a rainbow flag invaded the pitch ahead of kickoff.
It was all business for the hosts once the whistle was blown, however, as they were desperate to avoid a repeat of their 2018 World Cup debacle, with Joshua Kimmich testing keeper Peter Gulacsi after three minutes.