Germany (the host) and Switzerland have the opportunity to secure their qualification to the second round of the European Cup finals when they face Hungary and Scotland today in the second round of the group competitions, while Croatia hopes to correct the course when it meets Albania in the second group.
Germany showed its teeth early when it crushed Scotland 5-1 in the opening match last Friday, and Switzerland followed suit by beating Hungary 3-1, so they shared the top spot in the group with the goal difference advantage for the Germans, and therefore their victory together today will decide the two direct tickets in their favor.
On the other hand, Croatia, third in the 2022 World Cup, suffered a harsh loss to Spain 0-3 last Saturday in the “Group of Death”, due to its inclusion of defending champion Italy, and therefore it seeks to exploit its confrontation with Albania, the weak link in the group, to revive its hopes and avoid entering into the complex calculations of the best. Four thirds.
A double mission for Germany
Germany, the three-time European champion, awaits a double mission at the MHP Neckarstadion in Stuttgart, as it seeks to confirm its strong start in the tournament and untie its rival, Hungary.
Germany failed to beat Hungary in the last three matches between them, as they also tied 2-2 in the third round of the group stage of the continental edition, which was held in 2021 at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
Germany did not lose in its last five matches in various competitions, and tied once, while Hungary achieved one win in its last six matches, compared to three defeats and two draws.
An ancient religion of Switzerland
In the same group, Switzerland seeks to return an old debt to Scotland when they meet at the “Rheinenergy Stadion” in Cologne.
The two teams met in the group stage of the 1996 edition in England, and Scotland won 1-0, but the two teams failed to pass the first round.
Switzerland enters the match in high spirits after the great victory over Hungary in the first round, and it is also relying on its wonderful record in its last six matches, where it achieved three wins against two draws and one loss, while Scotland enters it in shaky morale after its resounding loss to the German machines, which was the third in the match. The last six matches, in which they achieved only one win.
Croatia to correct course
Croatia had high hopes before facing Spain in the first round, but they were no match for Luis de la Fuente’s side, losing for only the third time in their last 13 European Cup group stage matches.
On the other hand, Albania and its Brazilian coach Silvino will try to build on their wonderful performance against Italy, the defending champion, when they scored the fastest goal in the history of the tournament (after 23 seconds via Nadim Bayrami) before narrowly losing 1-2.
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