The UEFA Nations League opened with a series of high-scoring matches, headlined by Germany’s dominant 5-0 victory over Hungary. Under the leadership of coach Julian Nagelsmann, the German team demonstrated a renewed sense of energy and skill, particularly through the performances of young stars Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz. Musiala, who scored one goal and provided three assists, was praised for his exceptional playmaking abilities.The match marked a new era for the German national team following the retirement of several key players, including Thomas Müller, Manuel Neuer, Ilkay Gündogan, and Toni Kroos. Nagelsmann expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, stating, ‘When both [Musiala and Wirtz] are on fire and giving their all, it’s hard to stop them’.In other notable results, the Netherlands secured a 5-2 victory against Bosnia-Herzegovina, while England, under new interim coach Lee Carsley, continued their strong start with a 2-0 win over Ireland. The English victory was particularly poignant as both goalscorers, Declan Rice and Jack Grealish, had previously represented Ireland.These results set the stage for exciting upcoming matches, with Germany now looking ahead to a highly anticipated clash against the Netherlands. As the tournament progresses, the performance of these teams, especially the emerging young talents, will be closely watched as they build towards the 2026 World Cup.
Key points
- Germany’s 5-0 victory over Hungary showcases their successful team rebuilding efforts.
- Young talents Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz shine in Germany’s dominant performance.
- England and the Netherlands also secure impressive victories in their Nations League openers.
