UEFA Nations League: Germany vs Hungary! Unique defensive tactics broken, can Hungary live up to expectations?

First match today, talking about the Nations League: Germany vs Hungary!

Hungary has been amazing in the Nations League, unexpectedly leading Group C, the toughest group, much to the surprise of many fans.

In just three minutes, let's analyze Hungary's tactical features and explore whether Germany can discover a solution.

Previously, when Germany visited Hungary, they managed only one shot on target throughout the entire match and nearly suffered an upset.

Why such a poor performance? Because they fell into Hungary’s tactical trap.

Although both teams used the same 3-4-2-1 formation, their tactics were completely different.

Hungary remained calm, with almost all players defending in their own half.

They split into two defensive lines: the front line cut off passing lanes between Germany’s midfield and forwards, while the back line marked tightly, surrounding Germany’s attackers closely.

So we often saw Germany’s three forwards crowded together, unable to get the ball, forcing their midfielders to pass back frequently.

That’s why Germany dominated possession at 67%, but had very few shots, due to ineffective ball control.

Is there a way to break through? Yes.

If Germany pushes players forward on both flanks, Hungary’s defenders will naturally be stretched and pulled apart.

Croatia used this approach to beat Hungary decisively by attacking aggressively on the wings, pulling Hungary’s players out of position and exposing their individual weaknesses.

So why doesn’t Germany play like this?

Look again at that previous image: Germany’s entire right flank was completely empty, with no players at all. Why?

Because they lack a specialized right wing-back; Gosens was absent, Flick had Hoffmann fill in, but Hoffmann usually plays as an attacking midfielder and lacks experience as a wing-back. He often drifted into midfield, leaving the entire right side uncovered.

With the forwards tightly marked and the wings paralyzed, the attack was basically shut down.

There is a saying: the same trick only works once against skilled opponents.

As a six-time champion coach, Flick surely knows these issues well.

This time, Germany’s squad is much more complete, with professional wing-backs on both sides. The previously inactive right side will likely be manned by Gosens, who scored a goal and assisted once against Portugal in the Euros, showing good ability.

Although Neuer and Goretzka withdrew at the last minute, Germany’s overall lineup is much stronger than when they last faced Hungary.

What happened last time? Germany had just played England and were tired, aiming to save energy for Italy, so they rotated the squad heavily.

Müller and Gündoğan were substitutes, while Rüdiger and Gnabry stayed in Germany to rest.

Now Germany is fully rested and ready, with no need to hold back.

The German Football Association has openly stated they want to win the Nations League trophy to welcome the 2024 European Championship hosted in Germany, so this group-top clash must be taken very seriously.

Although Hungary has gained many fans due to their past impressive performances,

this time Germany’s fighting spirit and tactical setup could be completely different. Considering the ninefold difference in player value, if Germany’s tactics hold and their attitude is right, their superiority will show. Will Germany satisfy their fans? What do you think? I’m hoping they win by at least two goals.

Alright, for today’s other matches, I’ll still send text analysis in the evening. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me. Let’s enjoy watching the games together!

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