Germany downed Hungary 2-0 in the second matchday of the EURO 2024 group stages, but the result has left the losing side smarting — particularly given the circumstances of the first goal.
“I’ve never complained in my career as a player or coach, I’ve never looked for excuses, but what the referee did today… the referee used a double standard. The referee allowed a goal on a push on [Hungary defender Willi] Orban. Second half in a similar situation on [Germany midfielder Robert] Andrich, the referee whistled a foul. In my perspective Germany would have won anyways, but the referee was the worst on the pitch,” complained Hungary coach Marco Rossi after the game (as captured via @iMiaSanMia).
Rossi continued: “I told my players they have nothing to regret. Germany for me is the big favourite to win the Euros but they didn’t need help from the referee to win, especially against a team like Hungary. Let’s see when Germany plays a team like France if a foul is given or not.”
Poor Hungary? Not according to İlkay Gündoğan, the German player allegedly responsible for the push.
“I was quite surprised that he or his Hungary team-mates were a bit angry about it. I don’t know what it looked like on TV. I played in the Premier League for seven years, if you gave that foul in the Premier League then I think everyone would be laughing on the floor,” Gündoğan was quoted as saying (via AFP, as captured by @iMiaSanMia).
The FC Barcelona star and Orban each attempted to box the other out while chasing for a ball, and Orban tumbled after the collision — leaving Gündoğan free to pick up the pieces and feed Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala for the opening goal. Was it a foul? Judge for yourself — but it certainly seems that the Germany team will not be losing any sleep over the call.
Poll
Did Gündoğan foul Orban on Germany’s first goal?
Looking for more thoughts and analysis on Germany’s big EURO 2024 win over Hungary? Then check out our Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show on Spotify or below: