UEFA Nations League: Netherlands beat Hungary, Germans thrash Bosnia at home

New Delhi: The Nations League action on Saturday saw the Netherlands secure a 4-0 victory over Hungary and Germany thrash Bosnia and Herzegovina 7-0. The Dutch sealed their spot in the quarter-finals with a commanding performance, highlighted by penalties from Wout Weghorst and Cody Gakpo, plus strikes from Denzel Dumfries and Teun Koopmeiners.

Meanwhile, Germany delivered a statement win under Julian Nagelsmann, with Florian Wirtz and Tim Kleindienst scoring braces in a dominant display. These results left Germany atop Group A3, while the Netherlands guaranteed a top-two finish. Both teams now look ahead with growing confidence.

Netherlands 4-0 Hungary

The Netherlands cruised to a 4-0 win over Hungary in the Nations League on Saturday, sealing their place in the quarter-finals. Two first-half penalties from Wout Weghorst and Cody Gakpo, followed by second-half strikes from Denzel Dumfries and Teun Koopmeiners, secured the victory at the Johan Cruyff Stadium. This result guaranteed the Dutch a top-two finish in Group A3.

The game started with concern as Hungary’s assistant coach Adam Szalai suffered a suspected seizure on the bench. Play stopped for 13 minutes while he received medical attention. Hungary eventually decided to continue the match but immediately conceded a penalty after a VAR check showed Tamas Nikitscher had handled the ball. Weghorst converted calmly, giving the Netherlands an early lead.

Just before half-time, a foul on Donyell Malen earned another penalty, which Gakpo confidently converted. Hungary’s goalkeeper Denes Dibusz made key saves in the first half to limit the damage, including a brilliant stop to deny Tijjani Reijnders.

In the second half, Dumfries volleyed home in the 64th minute after a loose ball fell to him. Koopmeiners, making his return from injury, added a header in the 85th minute to round off the win. The Netherlands also welcomed back Frenkie de Jong, who impressed in midfield after a long injury layoff.

Hungary can no longer catch the Dutch due to their head-to-head record. Meanwhile, their federation confirmed Szalai is recovering in hospital.

Germany 7-0 Bosnia & Herzegovina

Germany produced a dominant performance on Saturday, demolishing Bosnia and Herzegovina 7-0 in the Nations League to secure the top spot in Group A3 with a game to spare. Florian Wirtz and Tim Kleindienst each netted twice in a statement win for Julian Nagelsmann’s side, who are eager to regain their international prominence ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The match began explosively, with Jamal Musiala scoring a looping header just 90 seconds in. The Bayern Munich star continued his hot streak, marking his third consecutive game with a goal for club and country. Germany’s relentless attack doubled their lead in the 23rd minute when Kleindienst turned in Robert Andrich’s effort for his first goal in national colours.

Kai Havertz added a third before half-time, combining brilliantly with Wirtz in a quick one-two. Wirtz then made it 4-0 early in the second half with a stunning free kick that left the Bosnian goalkeeper, Nikola Vasilj, rooted to the spot. The young midfielder completed his brace in the 57th minute, tapping in at the far post.

Leroy Sane came off the bench to add a sixth before Kleindienst wrapped up the scoring in the 79th minute, sliding in to seal his second goal of the night. Bosnia’s defence was overwhelmed throughout, unable to cope with Germany’s pace and precision.

Nagelsmann praised his side’s counter-pressing and attacking transitions, calling the performance a significant step forward after their disappointing Euros campaign. Germany, now on 13 points, head to Budapest to face Hungary in their final group game on Tuesday.

Other results:

  • Albania 0-0 Czechia
  • Sweden 2-1 Slovakia

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