‘We can do things better’ – Nagelsmann frustrated as Germany denied win

Julian Nagelsmann insists Germany can “do things better” after Hungary were held to a 1-1 draw due to a last-gasp penalty.

Felix Nmecha had given the visitors the lead in the 76th minute, but Dominik Szoboszlai equalized in the 99th minute after a controversial penalty for an alleged Robin Koch handball.

Nagelsmann's side also had Leroy Sane's goal disallowed by VAR before Kai Havertz hit the post moments after coming off the bench.

Although the result of the match did not affect the standings – Germany had already secured first place with a match to spare – it did end a three-match winning run.

Germany have now scored in their last 12 games, including friendlies, but Nagelsmann was still left frustrated by the disjointed nature of their performance in Budapest.

“To be honest, I don't really want to talk about the game. I think we can do things better,” he told ZDF.

We complete the #NationsLeague group stage undefeated as it ends on 1 point apiece in Budapest #DFB #GermanFootball #GermanMNT #HUNGER

DFB/ Philipp Reinhard pic.twitter.com/kOetVkqdB6

— German Football (@DFB_Team_EN) November 19, 2024

“We took too long to get things in order in the first half, partly especially in the twenty minutes before half-time.”

On the penalty decision, Nagelsmann said: “I spoke to the referee after the match and asked if he had also seen the match against Spain [at the Euros]. I don't think he understood what I said.

“I don't think it was a penalty at all. [Robin] Koch turns away from the shot and pulls his hands closer to his body.”

Germany will know their opponents for the quarter-finals of the Nations League in Friday's draw.