Germany became the first team to qualify for the Euro 2024 last 16 following their 2-0 victory over Hungary at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Stuttgart.

After crushing Scotland 5-1 in the opening round of the tournament, Germany defeated Hungary in Stuttgart thanks to goals from Ilkay Gundogan and Jamal Musiala both before and after halftime.

With one game remaining in Group A, Julian Nagelsmann’s squad has a maximum of six points. As one of the top four third-place finishers, they will undoubtedly advance to the round of 16 at the very least.

Despite Hungary’s best efforts, the hosts prevailed in the final third thanks to Musiala’s goal midway through the first half, which came after captain Gundogan refused to give up in a hopeless situation in the box.

Just before the half, the Hungarians had an equaliser disallowed for offside. On the 67th minute, Gundogan extended Germany’s lead after Maximilian Mittelstaedt’s assist.

Germany has won its first two games at a World Cup or European Championship for the first time since Euro 2012, suggesting that their recent troubles are behind them.

“We were determined to win today and confirm our performance against Scotland,” said goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

“We were dominant and deserved to win. You could see the euphoria in the stadium.”

Now, Hungary’s prospects of making it to the round of 16 are in jeopardy as group opponents Switzerland and Scotland square off late on Wednesday in Cologne.

With a victory in that match, Switzerland—quarterfinalists at Euro 2020—will advance to the round of 16.

It will be Scotland’s first major tournament victory since defeating the Swiss 1-0 at Euro 96.

Photo by EPA/MOHAMED MESSARA