Musiala after impressive Euros debut: 'I had nothing to lose'

For long periods on Wednesday night, it looked like Germany would fail to get past the group stage at Euro 2020. The 2014 world champion trailed Hungary 2-1 in the 82nd minute of their clash at the Allianz Arena and were on the verge of finishing bottom of Group F. Staring down the barrel, coach Joachim Löw turned to an 18-year-old and gave him a mission. “I should have confidence in myself and get forward aggressively,“ Jamal Musiala revealed afterwards.

And that’s exactly what the Bayern youngster did only two minutes later. A characteristically impressive dribble saw him get into the box and square the ball. It eventually landed at the feet of Leon Goretzka, who fired home to make it 2-2. It was thanks to Musiala’s courage that Germany got the goal that saw them through to the round of 16 as group runners-up.

Praise from Löw

“I had nothing to lose,” added Musiala, who became the youngest player to ever appear at a major tournament for Germany and said he was “proud” when asked about the goal. After having to watch the first two matches from the stands, he laid down a real marker against Hungary. “Musiala was bold, secured balls. It was a very pleasing performance,” said Löw in praise.

Of course, Musiala is now hopefully he’ll also get the chance to feature in the round of 16. The game is against England – the country where he grew up and was also eligible to represent before opting for Germany in March. “It’s a game against my second home. It’ll be a cool game,” the FCB forward excitedly declared.

Goretzka’s late goal saw Germany into the last 16 at Euro 2020: