Can Hungary use momentum and win the Nations League?

Hungary produced one of the most stunning results in the history of the Nations League by hammering England 4-0 at Molineux. The Magyarok had already beaten the Three Lions on home soil courtesy of a 1-0 victory, but produced an ever better performance on the road to stun Gareth Southgate’s men. Hungary are now in prime position to qualify for the Nations League finals, needing only to replicate their displays against Germany and Italy in their final two matches to advance.

WOW.

🇭🇺 Marco Rossi’s side become the first Hungary team to beat England away from home since 1953. #NationsLeague

— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 14, 2022

Both Germany and Italy have not been at their best during the Nations League A3 group stage, and Die Mannschaft will also have one eye on their preparation for the World Cup. Italy, meanwhile, are working through a rebuilding process after they failed to qualify for Qatar 2022. Hungary are backed by the odds for betting on football with Paddy Power at +3300 to win the Nations League, which would be a monumental achievement for the Magyarok. They have already produced excellent football to create two iconic moments with victories over England, but a tournament win would live long in the memory of the nation and perhaps produce a legacy for the next generation of Hungarian players.

Hungary boss Marco Rossi believes his side’s 4-0 victory over England will guarantee him ‘one minutes silence’ at the countries national stadium when he dies. 🇭🇺 pic.twitter.com/fV7RKP0piO

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 14, 2022

Hungary have deployed a solid foundation in their A3 group matches, and keeping two clean sheets against England was crucial to their success. Marco Rossi’s men were clinical on the counter against the Three Lions at Molineux, capitalizing on the gaps left by England in the spaces behind in their bid to push for goals. Roland Sallai led the line perfectly and did not allow the Three Lions to win back possession quickly and sustain a period of pressure. Sallai was also clinical in front of goal with two strikes, scoring twice in an international match for the first time. Their triumph at Molineux was a reward for their hard work and perseverance, and the goal glut certainly put the icing on the cake.

Rossi’s men have also played excellent football against Germany and Italy. Their rearguard effort against Italy in Rome was not their best performance as they allowed the Azzurri to take control of the contest in the first half. Although they made it a close game in the second half, Roberto Mancini’s men were able to edge out a 2-1 win. It is a lesson for Hungary moving forward about not letting their standards drop. Hungary’s performance against Germany was arguably better than their triumph over England. The Magyarok took the lead, only to be pegged back almost immediately, but their display over the course of the 90 minutes was impressive. The only difference was their efficiency in front of goal, which was poor, spurning a few good opportunities to retake the lead and earn another win.

If Rossi’s men can hold their own and outplay three of the best teams in Europe, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t believe they can win the Nations League. The Netherlands are wildly inconsistent, while Spain lack presence in the final third. All the leading outfits are beatable and may have their attention drawn elsewhere, so Hungary’s time could be now.