After a thrilling victory against Germany in Leipzig, Hungary remains in first place in Group A3 and has a strong chance of making the Nations League finals.
The game-winning goal was scored by Adam Szalai, who met a corner with a fantastic backheeled volley that looped into the far corner.
The 34-year-old announced his plans to retire following Monday’s last group match, claiming he has been “waiting for the proper moment.”
In their last group match, Hungary welcomes Italy with the knowledge that a draw advances them.
For a good portion of the night, they seemed to be in line to go to the finals, but Italy’s victory against England in Milan ensured that Monday would determine which team would advance.
READ MORE: 20-time Grand Slam Federer retires following his Laver Cup defeat
The outcome maintains Hungary’s outstanding track record in the Nations League. They were in League C when the competition began in 2018.
But further promotions saw them move up to League A. As a result, they are now well-positioned to get to the finals on their first attempt.
Hungary scored nearly again in the first half after Szalai’s 26th goal for his country gave them the lead.
However, Marc-Andre Ter Stegen successfully stopped Willi Orban’s shot. As a result, Hungary did not make it to this winter’s World Cup in Qatar.
Germany didn’t have a chance on goal until the 39th when Peter Gulacsi quickly stopped Thomas Muller’s back-post header.
At halftime, Serge Gnabry was replaced by West Ham’s Thilo Kehrer, a tactical adjustment made by former Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick that enabled the home team to dominate with 80% possession in the first 15 minutes of the second half.
Leroy Sane’s shot was saved at the near post, and Muller’s 20-yard volley was called out for offside.
However, both teams’ substitutions disrupted their flow, and Hungary came the closest to increasing their advantage when Martin Adam and Laszlo Kleinheisler both had goal-bound shots stopped.
Germany’s loss prevents them from making the finals and keeps them in League A after England’s loss in Italy resulted in their relegation.