Euro 2024: Germany Become First Participant in Play-offs, Croatia at Risk, Scotland and Switzerland Draw
The German national football team has qualified for the Euro 2024 play-offs ahead of schedule. It happened the day before after a 2-0 victory over Hungary in the second round of Group A.
The national football teams of Germany and Hungary played the central match of the sixth game day of Euro 2024 on Wednesday, 19 June.
The second round of the Euro 2024 group stage was crucial for both teams: Germany could guarantee their place in the play-offs, while Hungary had to win to level the gap after their defeat to Switzerland.
For Germany to advance to the play-offs, it was enough to defeat Hungary in the second round. And the Germans coped with this task: they beat the Hungarians 2-0 and were the first to score 6 points at the European Championship.
With 6 points, Germany will not finish lower than third place. This worst-case scenario guarantees the Germans a playoff spot: the Germans will be among the top four third-placed teams.
In another Group A match, the issue of leaving the group was postponed to the third round. Scotland and Switzerland drew 1-1.
Two teams in Group B - Croatia and Albania - risk missing the play-offs. After two rounds, both teams have only one point and will play the decisive group stage match against the leaders, Italy and Spain.
If Croatia fails to qualify for the Euro 2024 play-offs, it will show its worst result in 8 years. Since 2016, the Croats have regularly qualified for the play-offs at the World and European Championships.
Group A. Standings
Germany - 6 points (2 matches), 7:1 (goal difference)
Switzerland - 3 (1), 3:1
Scotland - 0 (1), 1:5
Hungary - 0 (2), 1: 5
Euro 2024: Group A match schedule
Sunday, 23 June. Switzerland - Germany
Sunday, 23 June. Scotland vs Hungary