Hungary deny much-changed Germany victory with stoppage-time penalty goal

Germany were held to a 1-1 draw by Hungary in their final match of 2024 in Budapest, as Felix Nmecha's opener was cancelled out by Dominik Szoboszlai's Panenka penalty in stoppage time.

With Germany already certain to finish top of their UEFA Nations League group before the game, head coach Julian Nagelsmann made nine changes to the side that thrashed Bosnia-Herzegovina 7-0 on Saturday, with only captain Joshua Kimmich and Robert Andrich retaining their places.

Unsurprisingly, the many changes seemed to have an impact on Germany's game, with Julian Nagelsmann's side struggling to create chances in the first half despite dominating possession.

In fact, it was the hosts who came closest to breaking the deadlock in the opening 45 minutes, with Alexander Nübel denying Andras Schäfer and Zsolt Nagy from promising positions.

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann made just one substitution at the break, with Robin Gosens coming on for captain Joshua Kimmich. 

The full-back was presented with a fine chance early in the second half, but could only direct his shot into the gloves of Dénes Dibusz following a lay-off from Serge Gnabry.

Just before the hour-mark, Julian Brandt had the ball in the net for Germany, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

Soon after, Nagelsmann brought on the cavalry, with Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz replacing Serge Gnabry, Julian Brandt and Chris Führich in a three-man substitution.

One of the substitutes, Havertz, almost made an immediate impact, hitting the post from the edge of the box in the 63rd minute.

Five minutes later, Barnabas Varga looked set to give Hungary the lead, but Nübel sensationally tipped the ball past the post.

As the game entered its final phase, Germany finally drew first blood in the 76th minute through Felix Nmecha, who scored his first international goal. The Borussia Dortmund midfielder tapped in the rebound after Nico Schlotterbeck's initial effort was saved following a corner.

It looked as if Nmecha's goal would lead Germany to the win until deep into stoppage time when Hungary were awarded a penalty following a VAR review.

The referee pointed to the spot after Robin Koch was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box, and Dominik Szoboszlai stepped up to score with a Panenka penalty and give Hungary a late point.

The draw sees Germany finish the UEFA Nations League group stage at the top of their group with 14 points from six games, with the draw for the quarter-finals to be made on Friday.