After defeating an enterprising Hungary 2-0 thanks to goals from Ilkay Gündogan and the contentious goal of Jamal Musiala, hosts Germany became the first team to advance to the Euro 2024 round of sixteen on Wednesday.

There will be at least two third-place teams that are unable to reach Germany’s six points, given Croatia’s previous tie with Albania and the circumstances in Group C.

Each of the top two teams and the four best third-placed teams from each of the six groups would advance to the knockout stages.

The tournament began with Germany crushing Scotland 5-1, and Julian Nagelsmann predictably started with the same lineup.

Midway through the first half, Germany scored the first goal, surpassing Hungary, who had lost 3-1 to Switzerland in the opening match.

Captain Gündogan put in some excellent effort, and Musiala easily scored his second goal of the competition.

A video review upheld the goal despite Hungary’s appeals for a foul committed by Gündogan in the box before he brought it back.

Hungary persisted in posing a thrҽat, but on minute 67, Gündogan’s low cross from left back Maximilian Mittelstädt proved to be the decisive play.

In his 17th Euro appearance, Manuel Neuer was kept busy as he tied the record for most Euro appearances held by former Italy great Gianluigi Buffon.

A goal for Marco Rossi’s team was also disallowed for offside.