Hungary

MAGYARS FANS CAN DREAM OF A GLORIOUS EURO 2016 REPEA T

Hungarians still remember Euro 2016 fondly. They qualified for their first major tournament since 1986 against expectations and were supposed to be pushovers once they got there – three defeats would only have been logical.

But that’s not how things played out. Instead, the Magyars won 2- 0 against supposed dark horses Austria, drew with Iceland and took the lead three times against Portugal before settling for a draw. They finished top of Group F, sparking raucous celebrations around the country. It was a superb achievement that united a nation, and even the 4- 0 thrashing against Belgium that followed in the last 16 didn’t ruin their party.

Some hoped those performances would change Hungarian football for the better, but such optimism proved misguided. The players failed to use that momentum to reach the next level, while FA officials fared infinitely worse. Hungary’s domestic leagues are still weak, the grassroots revolution has stalled and subsequent 2018 World Cup qualifiers even included defeat to Andorra. They finished fourth in their group for Euro 2020 qualifying, too, but the 2018- 19 Nations League gave them an additional route to the finals – one Hungary took in dramatic fashion.

Iceland were favourites in Budapest and ahead for most of the game, but Hungary equalised with two minutes left… then watched rising star Dominik Szoboszlai make it 2- 1 in injury time. The 20- year- old midfielder, widely regarded as the brightest talent to come out of Hungary in decades, instantly became a legend, and now fans can dream of repeating those glorious days of June 2016.

Granted, Hungary have been drawn in the toughest group imaginable with France, Portugal and Germany, but nobody gave them much hope five years ago either. Things have improved since qualifying, too: the Magyars only lost one of eight matches in 2020, topped their 2020- 21 Nations League B pot ahead of Russia to gain promotion to the top tier and went nine games unbeaten in March.

Hungary have a stable and experienced goalkeeper in Peter Gulacsi, plus a very reliable centre- back in Willi Orban. Together at RB Leipzig they’ve developed a magnificent mutual understanding over several years. Could this Red Bull duo give Hungary wings and cause an upset?

LESSON FROM QUALIFYING

Szoboszlai is capable of carrying this team on his shoulders, as he proved in the playoffs. He started the qualifying campaign as a promising youngster but finished it a true leader. Hungary need to get the 20- year- old fit after a groin problem, then give him the free role he needs to shine.

STRENGTHS

Hungary are well organised under the management of Marco Rossi, who has proved himself a flexible coach. The recent switch to a 3- 5- 2 system seems to be working, and Hungary have experienced warriors who can make their voices heard – especially Gulacsi and Orban. Approaching the tournament with low expectations could be an advantage. After all, it worked pretty well in 2016...

WEAKNESSES

Putting the ball in the net – a thin squad managed only eight goals in qualifying. Adam Szalai, 33, is past his best and rarely plays for Mainz, while Roland Sallai is essentially a midfielder. They did, however, stick three past Poland in March’s World Cup qualifier, so will be desperate to keep their main attackers fit.

MOST LIKELY TO...

Play cautiously against strong opposition. Lacking power up front, Hungary will likely use three centre- backs and two holding midfielders, letting their rivals enjoy possession as far from goal as possible.

LEAST LIKELY TO...

Produce a sartorial statement as legendary as former goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly’s iconic grey joggers. Shame.

WHAT THEY HOPE WILL HAPPEN

Even the most optimistic fans won’t be talking of qualifying for the last 16 because of the nightmare draw. That said, the Hungarians could definitely steal a point or two to upset the giants, make a couple of juicy headlines and further enhance Szoboszlai’s reputation.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN

The miracle of 2016 is unlikely to be repeated, and Hungary should finish the group with three defeats – but Gulacsi should be able to spare them from some heavy thrashings.