Dominik Szoboszlai scored a penalty in the ninth minute of stoppage time to deny Germany a victorious end to the Nations League group stage and show why Hungary is one of the hardest places to win in world soccer. Germany, already assured of a quarterfinal spot, was on course to win thanks to Felix Nmecha's goal but the game took a late twist when Mihaly Kata's shot ricocheted off Robin Koch's arm as the German defender tried to turn away. After a video review, Szoboszlai stepped up to take the penalty and chipped it over goalkeeper Alexander Nübel to salvage a 1-1 draw for Hungary, which ends Group A3 third of four teams.
That preserved Hungary's unbeaten run at home, which now stretches to 13 games over more than two years since June 2022 and a loss to Italy in the previous edition of the Nations League. Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said he would “never have given” the penalty in comments to broadcaster ZDF and questioned whether watching “48 slo-mos” of an incident actually led to better calls. Nagelsmann argued that Hungary's joy after leveling the score reflected Germany's improved stature as a team after a strong 2024.
“If you see today how Hungary is celebrating this 1-1, that's a little distinction for our team too,” he said. Germany's much-changed team struggled to generate many chances before Nmecha scored on a rebound at a corner in the 76th minute. Nübel, who's seeking to cement his place as Germany's top goalkeeper in the absence of injured Mar.
