Why Germany are wearing their away kit for Euro 2024 clash against Hungary
Germany are wearing their away kit for their Euro 2024 clash against Hungary - despite being listed as the 'administrative' home team.
Julian Nagelsmann's side dominated early proceedings at the MHPArena in Stuttgart, and Jamal Musiala gave them a 27th-minute lead.
But Hungary grew into the contest, with captain and Liverpool star Dominik Szoboszlai testing Manuel Neuer with a long range free-kick.
The attacking midfielder was again involved minutes later, forcing a fine stop out of Neuer to keep the scores at 1-0.
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Roland Sallai then thought he had equalised for Hungary in stoppage time, but VAR ruled out the goal due to an offside infringement.
At the beginning of the first half, many viewers were surprised to see Germany wear their pink and purple away shirt, instead of their traditional white kit, given that they are listed as the 'home' team.
The away kit has proven popular with supporters. It has broken the record for the most away shirts sold in history from when it went on release until the start of the Euros, a German FA spokesperson confirmed.
The shirt has been labelled as a 'diversity' shirt, and Adidas say it 'represents the diversity of the German fanbase and wider population'.
The explanation for why that Germany are wearing it against Hungary is that they are designated as the 'away' team for their final Group A fixture against Switzerland.
Their opponents have a red home kit that they are set to choose to wear, meaning Germany have taken the decision to adorn their pink and purple shirt against Hungary in case they are knocked out of the competition at the group stage.
Germany unveiled their new away shirt in March, with captain Ilkay Gundogan and defender Mats Hummels - who was not named in the final Euro 2024 squad - central figures in the presentation.
Midfielder Florian Wirtz, meanwhile, commented: "The home jersey is classic with its black, red and gold shoulders and white look - it's a typical Germany jersey for me.
"I find the away jersey very cool! It's something different and really extraordinary. We are looking forward to a European Championship at home and want to perform well in both jerseys."
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Ryan Smart