Hungary edge Norway in Euro play-off
Kleinheisler marks debut with decisive goal as Storck’s men mourn death of goalkeeper Fulop
>> OSLO: Grief-stricken Hungary edged closer to their first international tournament in 30 years when they defeated Norway 1-0 in the opening leg of their Euro 2016 play-off on Thursday.
On the day that Hungarian international goalkeeper Marton Fulop lost his battle with cancer at the age of 32, his teammates honoured his memory with a crucial victory ahead of Sunday’s return in Budapest.
Midfielder Laszlo Kleinheisler marked his international debut with the game’s only goal in the first half before Hungary, whose last major event was the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, soaked up constant pressure from the home side to preserve their advantage.
“We must not forget that we have a huge 90 minutes still to play on Sunday,” said Hungary coach Bernd Storck whose team failed to win a single corner compared to the home side’s 15.
“We played with discipline despite being under great pressure.”
Norway had the better exchanges in the first half and should have been ahead as early as the third minute.
Markus Henriksen sped down the left before cutting the ball back to Per Skjelbred who had been left in space inside the penalty area.
But his close-range drive was spectacularly parried away one-handed by 39-year-old goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly who was making his 100th international appearance.
Hungary, wearing black armbands in memory of the 24-capped Fulop, made the most of their escape by snatching the lead after 26 minutes.
Kleinheisler played a smart onetwo with Akos Elek and the 21-yearold Videoton midfielder buried his chance with a left-footed shot on the turn.
Norway continued to press after the break.
Omar Elabdellaoui looked to have been fouled in the area but appeals for a penalty were waved away by English referee Mark Clattenburg.
Alexander Soderlund then fired over and Jo Inge Berget had an attempt blocked.
Marcus Pedersen also missed the target with a header before substitute Pal Helland saw a header bounce off the crossbar in the 88th minute.
Hungary will be without experienced midfielder Zoltan Gera for the return game after the 85-time capped player picked up a yellow card.
Meanwhile, tributes have poured in for Fulop, who played for a string of English Premier League clubs, after he died from cancer aged just 32.
“It is with deep sadness and grieving that we inform that after a long illness Marton Fulop has passed away,” Fulop’s former club MTK Budapest said on their website.
England coach Roy Hodgson led the tributes, saying: “I’m really devastated by the news.
“I worked with him for a year at West Brom, he was a really nice person and a good professional.
“All I can do is pass on my condolences to his family and say it is a sad day for them, but also a sad day for football too.”
Margaret Byrne, chief executive of Sunderland, Fulop’s club between 2006 and 2010, commented: “We are devastated to hear of Marton’s passing.
“He was a genuinely lovely man, liked and respected by everyone at the club during his four years with us.
“It is desperately sad when we lose a member of our Sunderland family but to lose one so young and in such circumstances is simply heartbreaking.”