Germany stutter through with plenty to ponder for England clash

Joachim Loew’s side were again badly exposed in the 2-2 draw with Hungary. But coming from behind twice shows character, which they will need for a tough last-16 encounter with old rivals England.

Berlin (dpa) – “The only thing that ultimately matters is that we’re through,” said coach Joachim Loew after Germany’s progression to the Euro last 16.

Of course he is right, but the manner of the at times desperate 2-2 draw with Hungary in Munich had many Germany fans hiding behind the sofa.

Loew now has a lot of thinking to do before Tuesday’s knockout game with England at Wembley – assuming German Chancellor Angela Merkel allows the game to take place at all. Britain is classified as a virus variant region so travel to and from London for Germans is hugely difficult.

There won’t be many supporters to cheer Germany on but they have such a good recent record against the English that all is not lost. It was nearly all lost against Hungary until substitute Leon Goretzka levelled for 2-2 on 84 minutes to put Germany through in second in Group F.

“We showed a really great attitude. We made mistakes, but fought until we got the equalizer,” Loew told reporters.

“It was a nervy affair. Other teams have also struggled against the so-called ‘smaller’ sides, who have nothing to lose.”

Cheeky fans of other nations may be wondering if Germany now class as a smaller side after their struggles here followed a group-stage exit at the 2018 World Cup as defending champions.

Thomas Mueller was only fit enough for the bench so Loew went with Leroy Sane, but the Bayern Munich winger put in the type of insipid performance Bayern fans have become very used to.

Almost everything he did went wrong in the pouring Munich rain, a bizarre feat in such an astonishing game to watch.

The build-up to the match was dominated by UEFA’s refusal to allow the stadium to be lit up in rainbow colours. The governing body said it was a political request aimed at visitors Hungary and their conservative Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

Whatever the rights and wrongs, if anything the furore made Hungary play one of the games of their lives and they are very unlucky to go out having also pushed Portugal in the first half of a 3-0 loss and then drawn 1-1 with world champions France.

The last word belongs to German saviour Goretzka though.

“I’m really happy. Watching the game from the bench and seeing how tough it is just makes you want to give more when you come on,” he said.