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Last-gasp Szoboszlai penalty rescues Hungary draw with Germany / Photo: © AFP
Last-gasp Szoboszlai penalty rescues Hungary draw with Germany
A Dominik Szoboszlai penalty in the ninth minute of stoppage time snatched Hungary a 1-1 draw with Germany in Budapest on Wednesday.
After an uneventful first half, a heavily changed Germany -- who had first spot in the group already wrapped up -- looked on course for victory thanks to Felix Nmecha's 76th-minute goal on his starting debut.
Late in stoppage time, however, the referee awarded the hosts a penalty after a VAR review found Germany defender Robin Koch had handballed in the box.
Hungary captain Szoboszlai stepped up and sliced a clever Panenka into the net, grabbing a point for the home side.
Despite the late point, Hungary remain third in the group and headed for the playoffs.
With the Nations League draw to take place on Friday, Germany could face either Croatia, Italy or Denmark.
Saturday's 7-0 home win over Bosnia and Hercegovina sealed top spot and a first appearance in the Nations League knockouts for Germany, with coach Julian Nagelsmann benching Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala.
The 21-year-olds have become Germany's creative force, with five goals and six assists between them in five Nations League games this season.
The star duo's absence meant the visitors lacked fluency against a dogged Hungary.
The best chance of a dour opening half fell to RB Leipzig defender Benjamin Henrichs, while Alexander Nuebel kept Hungary at bay in just his second international match.
With the match headed for a goalless draw, Nagelsmann brought Wirtz and Musiala onto the pitch at the same time midway through the second half.
Wirtz made an impact, his corner finding Nico Schlotterbeck whose header was parried by Hungarian goalie Denes Dibusz, but Manchester City youth product Nmecha was perfectly placed to tap home.
Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Wirtz however picked up a yellow card late and will miss Germany's first quarter-final when the tournament restarts in March.
Germany were on track for their 11th win of the calendar year until Koch's handball brought Szoboszlai to the spot, via a VAR check.
The Liverpool midfielder stepped up and nervelessly chipped the ball past a helpless Nuebel to grab his side a point.
E. da Cruz--JDB
