Szoboszlai Panenka earns Hungary last-gasp draw against Germany

Hungary captain Dominik Szoboszlai scored a sublime Panenka penalty with the final kick of the game to earn his side a 1-1 draw against Germany in their UEFA Nations League encounter in Budapest.

Germany had already secured top spot in Group A3 prior to kick-off, with Hungary also confirmed as finishing third in the pool, setting up a relegation play-off fixture in the new year.

And so there was a slightly experimental air to the evening, with both teams trying out some new partnerships and the visitors making nine changes.

After a subdued first half it was Germany who took the lead when Felix Nmecha reacted to tuck home a rebound in the 77th minute for his first international goal.

And the Borussia Dortmund midfielder looked to have won the game for Germany, only for VAR and the referee to give a handball decision against Robin Koch in the final seconds of added time.

Szoboszlai took advantage, dinking the ball beyond the otherwise excellent Alexander Nubel to level the scores with the final kick of the match.

Germany rotated heavily on the night as Julian Nagelsmann looked to find some alternative options in his squad ahead of this competition’s knockout stage and the World Cup qualifiers. But he will leave Budapest with some frustrations over his reserve team’s lack of output. For all of the pretty football, there was a lack of quality aside from brief flashes from Leroy Sane, Serge Gnabry and Julian Brandt, and Germany looked much more dangerous once more established starters were introduced.

For all of Germany’s control of possession and occasional threat in build-up, it was Hungary who had more attempts on target.

And the hosts could well have picked up a big scalp were it not for goalkeeper Nubel, who pulled off some great saves. One particular stop to deny Barnabas Varga when the scores were still locked at 0-0 was especially eye-catching.

Hungary: Dibusz 7, Fiola 6, Orban 7, Dardai 7, Nego 6, Nikitscher 6, Schafer 7, Nagy 6, Szoboszlai 7, Sallai 7, Varga 7. Subs: Kata 6, Gera 7, Schon 6, Csobothm 6, Gruber 6.

Germany: Nubel 8, Hendrichs 8, Schlotterbeck 7, Koch 6, Kimmich 6, Nmecha 7, Andrich 7, Gnabry 6, Brandt 7, Sane 7, Fuhrich 6. Subs: Gosens 6, Musiala 7, Havertz 7, Wirtz 7, Kleindienst 6.

63’ – OFF THE POST The changes have opened up the game even more and Havertz very nearly scores just moments after coming on, volleying an effort against the post after a flowing attacking move.

68’ – HUGE CHANCE! Hungary are inches away from opening the scoring as Varga is played in by Sallai and looks to pick out the far bottom corner. A save sends the ball fractionally wide.

77’ – GOAL! HUNGARY 0-1 GERMANY (NMECHA) A huge moment for Nmecha as he bags a goal on the night of his first start for Germany. A Wirtz corner is met by Schlotterbeck, who is denied on the line, with Nmecha quickest to react to tuck home the rebound. 1-0.

90+5’ – LATE VAR CHECK Hungary have one final attack and there are big appeals for a penalty as a shot hits the arms of the turning Koch in the box. His hands were tucked in, but it could be argued that he extended the shape of his body to block the ball. The home fans and players want the penalty, and the referee has been called to the monitor.

90+10’ – GOAL! HUNGARY 1-1 GERMANY (SZOBOSZLAI) Szoboszlai steps up and dinks a Panenka past Nubel to level the scores from the spot with the final kick of the game. Hungary’s captain salutes the fans and is embraced by his team-mates. It’s 1-1!

The penalty incident that led to Hungary’s last-kick equaliser came in the 95th minute of the match, with play extended beyond four minutes of additional time due to a yellow card stoppage moments before.

Germany enjoyed more than 70% of possession but managed just three attempts on target in the match.