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Hungary Seeks Euro Glory Behind Star Dominik Szoboszlai

szoboszlai dominik hungary midfielder

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The Hungarian national football squad feels optimistic about their prospects for qualifying for Euro 2024 and beyond. With a mix of seasoned players and up-and-coming talent, the team has high hopes for its grit and inventiveness. After years in the international doldrums, Hungary has risen back towards regional significance and now stands just outside the top 30 in FIFA’s world rankings. The squad intends to create waves in the Euros and take the football-crazy country back to its former glory days with a well-balanced lineup and a good draw.

Dominik Szoboszlai, a 23-year-old offensive midfielder, is leading Hungary’s rise. The recently named captain of the national team has made a name for himself throughout the world with his ability to create plays for both his squad and Liverpool FC. Szoboszlai is without a doubt the most talented player in Hungary. He can score spectacular goals from a distance, weave passes that split defenses, and deftly dribble past opponents.

The group of people around Szoboszlai is the perfect blend of experience and energy. Veteran players with leadership, such as goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi, 33. Attila Szalai, a 25-year-old center defender, also contributes physical strength and maturity to help contain Hungary’s defense.

To counterbalance Hungary’s experience, a core of early 20s players, like left back Milos Kerkez (20) and midfielder Callum Styles (23), add vitality. This young and astute combination that manager Marco Rossi has crafted seems prepared to live up to the high standards set by the country.

Hungary has a distinguished football history in Europe, but the majority of its achievements occurred before the Euro competitions. The national team began a record-breaking 42-match winning streak without a setback in 1950–1956. Hungary destroyed England 6-3 at Wembley Stadium during that period, establishing a fluid structure and sophisticated passing technique decades ahead of their time.

After winning gold at the Olympics in 1952 and making it to the World Cup final in 1954, the Magical Magyars were defeated by West Germany’s “Miracle of Bern” comeback. Legend Ferenc Puskas led Hungary to the Euro 1960 final against the Soviet Union four years later. But they were defeated 2-1 by their politically fueled opponents, even though they started as favorites.

Hungary had inconsistent performance in Euro competitions following those heydays of success. They advanced to the quarterfinals in 1972 and finished third at the home Euros in 1964. But from 1976 to 1996, Hungary was unable to qualify for five consecutive European Championships. Hungary has progressed past the group stage in each of the last seven European Championships, but never beyond it.

Hungary was dealt a good hand in this round to qualify for Euro 2024. Along with Serbia, Montenegro, Lithuania, and Bulgaria, they placed in Group G. Hungary goes into the tournament as favorites for one of the two direct qualifying slots, although Serbia and its deadly striker Aleksandar Mitrović present a formidable opposition.

If Hungary is able to gain important victories in front of its fervent fan base at the new Puskas Arena in Budapest, home-field advantage may prove to be the difference. Supporters lovingly provide Hungary motivation to focus the attacking tenacity of their ancestors in order to take the top spot in Group G.

Hungary would compete in the intercontinental competition for the sixth time if they advance to Euro 2024 and fans are carrying heavy expectations towards the team’s success.

The financing of Hungary’s national team preparations is mostly dependent on sponsorship support. The Hungarian Football Federation has sponsorship agreements with a number of well-known Hungarian companies. In exchange, these partners receive branding exposure throughout all of Hungary’s digital and physical assets, with the most well-known example being the Adidas three-stripe symbol, which has been a part of squad uniforms since 1990.

More financial fuel is provided by sponsors like the gas firm MOL and the banking organization OTP. New partnerships with the digital wallet SimplePay (who continue to grow thanks to their partnership with some real money poker sites) and online sports platform TiPPMix have expanded financing sources for hiring more employees and updating infrastructure. Hungary has significantly relied on this corporate support to pay for the top-tier coaching, analytics, facilities, and travel necessary to compete with other European powerhouses.

Finesse captain Dominik Szoboszlai and Hungary’s well-balanced lineup seem prepared to relive former glory, with more resources supporting their endeavors. A return to the elite tournament’s latter stages would put the Magical Magyars in position to create some more unforgettable memories, provided the Red Wall supports them as they win their Euro group.

Hungary’s football history is filled with both victories and tragedies; from the Magical Magyars’ dominance over the world stage to several close calls on the biggest platforms. Leading the way is Dominik Szoboszlai, whose well-rounded team of enthusiasm and brilliance is now heading for new heights of success. This Hungarian lineup has the potential to replicate the offensive boldness of icons like Puskas if the fans inspire them every game. Hungary’s present trajectory promises to return this proud footballing nation to major Euro and World Cup prominence, something its fans so much want, even though dangers always lie in wait along the road.

Hungarian Iron Lady is planning a big comeback

Hungarian Iron Lady Katinka Hosszú

After conquering the arenas of Athens, Peking, London, Rio, Tokyo, and embracing motherhood, Katinka Hosszú gears up for her sixth Olympics—this time, in Paris in 2024.

In an interview with Index, she talked about the challenges of balancing motherhood with the rigorous demands of professional athleticism. The topic of the Paris Olympics also came up and it’s safe to say our Iron Lady is still going strong.

The challenges of motherhood

As for the challenge of juggling motherhood and sustaining a professional athletic career, she described the experience particularly unique, adding that no one can be entirely prepared for parenthood before it happens to them. The unpredictable timetable stands in stark contrast to the meticulously planned life she led as a professional athlete. Back then, every minute of her life was planned out, while now she has to face the uncertainty of sleep and a flexible timetable. Working her daily tasks around the needs of her baby is a learning process, she admits. In addition, she’s also managing multiple projects at the same time. Iron Swim is going strong and her plans with the swimming academy seem to be taking shape, although she hasn’t shared any information about that yet. All in all, she remains optimistic about her ongoing and future ventures.

Training vigorously

Despite the demands of a newborn, born in August, she swiftly returned to the pool. Even though it’s medically advised to abstain from any sport for at least six weeks after giving birth, she couldn’t stay away from her passion that long. Currently clocking two to three hours of daily training, a significant reduction from her previous eight or nine hours, she describes the adjustments made necessary by her new reality. However, it still sounds like a miraculous achievement for a new mum. She adds, that her trainings have gotten much more condensed because of the lack of time on her hands.  She doesn’t even leave her home when it comes to her land-based fitness training as it can be conveniently done there, too.

Next destination: Paris?

Katinka revealed that her plans are coming along nicely. If all goes well she can get back in the racing pool in the spring. That’s when the qualifying finals for the Olympics take place. Prior to that, a strategic training camp is on the horizon, most probably in Dubai, where the warm weather promises an intense preparation. She is confident about getting back in shape and in her abilities to regain her full strength by the time of the Olympics. It’s no secret that success at the event would be the pinnacle of her career, and she does see a real chance for qualifying for the Olympics. Her main focus remains on the individual medley, specifically the 200 and 400 metres, and that’s mostly what she’s preparing for. Finally, Katinka revealed that she can’t wait to prove herself once again at the Paris Olympics.

  • Read more about the Iron Lady HERE.
  • Read more about a popular winter sport opportunity HERE.

New ice rink opens near the shores of Lake Balaton

ice skating

Balatonfüred already had reason to be proud of its ice rink, but with these new additions, it can boast even more. The ice rink is undergoing a serious renovation and expansion, meaning that there’s even more chilled fun waiting for visitors and locals alike once the frost sets in. The ice rink is located at the waterfront so guests can not only have plenty of space for skating, but they can also enjoy the fantastic view.

The renewed ice rink of Balatonfüred will stretch on for a kilometer. Skaters can enjoy the beloved Zákony Street, and ice rinks will also be open to visitors on the Tagore promenade and Vitorlás Square. The three rinks will be connected by a new ice corridor that will make the ice rink system stand out in many aspects. The corridor will provide a separate lane for back and forth skating traffic and a terrific view of Lake Balaton.

Changes in the air

András Holczer, deputy major, said to balatonfured.hu that “the city has successfully operated the Zákonyi ice rink for years and we would like to extend the community space it has become. That’s why we’re providing a unique winter experience for the locals and visitors of the city. The new ice rink will be impressive, spectacular, and beloved.”

Balatonfüred ice rink

The new chilled experience with the three combined ice rinks will have around 1600 squaremetres for the skaters to explore. The facilities will include a buffet, warming area, rental tent and secure lockers. The rinks will also be able to host several icy sport, such as ice hockey and curling. Those who are a little bit unstable on their skates have nothing to fear, because there are also animal-shaped skating aids.

Accommodating the rink

Those who don’t skate have nothing to worry about either, the waterfront will still be accessible to those without skates. There will be a special overhead pedestrian bridge, built above the ice corridor so those who don’t wish to be on the ice can still enjoy the view. The Vitorlás Square Park, waterfront, and buildings can still be accessed with a slight detour, the only modifications in traffic will be Zákonyi Street temporarily becoming a dead-end and the relocation of the Vitorlás Square bus stop. Other than that, life goes on as normal in the icy Venice of the Balaton.

ice rink
Source: FB/Balatonfüredi Jégpálya

There are multiple entrances to the rink system, two of which are located on the ice corridor. Tickets can be bought at the Zákonyi and Vitorlás rinks at a friendly price rate. Locals, children and students can claim discounts, although prices may vary on the weekends. The opening for the Zákonyi rink will be held on the 1st of December and the total of the rink system will be open to guests from the middle of December until the end of January of 2024.

  • Read more about winter hikes HERE.
  • Read about Budapest’s ice rinks HERE.

Dominik Szoboszlai: can he lead Liverpool to the Premier League title?

szoboszlai

Ever since his £60 million arrival, Dominik Szoboszlai has taken the Premier League by storm.

Through the first eleven games of the 2023/2024 Premier League season, Szoboszlai has already found the back of the net and laid on two assists. A driving force behind Liverpool’s positive early domestic and European season form, those stats merely paint the briefest of pictures as to how good Szoboszlai has been since donning the famous Liverpool strip. 

Breathing new life into an aging Liverpool midfield, the Hungarian superstar has certainly impressed new manager Jurgen Klopp, with the German calling his new signing ‘a beast.’

Seemingly perfect for Klopp’s fast and frenetic counter-pressing style, Szoboszlai has already become one of the most important cogs in the Liverpool machine, seamlessly connecting the defence to the attack and wowing fans with his skill, endless energy and shooting abilities. 

So what can Szoboszlai and Liverpool achieve this year – could they win the Premier League? Here are our key talking points. 

Szoboszlai needs to continue to adapt to the Premier League

There’s a reason why the Premier League is the hardest league in the world. Not only can a handful of teams win the league, but there really are no easy matches. 

What makes winning the Premier League even harder is the schedule and Szoboszlai is about to experience his first winter in English football. 

November and December are often considered critical months in the English football calendar. With games played almost every three days, many new signings to the Premier League have struggled during this period and have dropped off in the second half of the season. 

A guaranteed starter for Liverpool, Szoboszlai currently ranks eighth in the league when it comes to the total distance run. 

Due to his intense running style and desire to win the ball back for his team, the impact of lots of games over a short period of time will hurt Szoboszlai more than most.

Already so important for Liverpool, if the Reds are going to be serious title contenders they can’t run the risk of their new midfield dynamo running out of gas. 

European commitments

One area that could greatly impact Szoboszlai’s abilities to impact Premier League games is Liverpool’s European campaign. 

Last season was a disaster for Liverpool, who despite having a squad more than capable of qualifying for the Champions League, missed out altogether and had to settle for a place in this season’s Europa League. 

Positioned by most online sportsbooks as the favourites for Europa League victory, no team has ever competed in Europe’s second tier competition and gone onto win the Premier League. 

With so many matches played across a gruelling schedule of Thursdays and Sunday’s, often it is the Premier League form that suffers as Liverpool will have to play teams who have had the luxury of rest.

With a deep and talented squad, Liverpool will have serious hopes of a deep run both domestically and in Europe, but Klopp will have to cleverly manage his squad if they are to do so. Although Szoboszlai will want to play every game, his minutes will need to be managed if he is to help Liverpool win some silverware during his first season. 

The Manchester City Machine

In Manchester City, not only will Szoboszlai face the best team in England, but arguably the entire world. 

City are red hot favourites to recapture both their Premier League and Champions League titles and ominously for the rest of their competition, they are already one point clear at the top of the Premier League and have already qualified from their Champions League group. 

However, over the last five years, the only side to consistently cause City problems has been Klopp’s Liverpool side. 

Before a ball was kicked this season, many pundits and fans believed that Liverpool were the team likely to push City in this year’s title race and that theory has largely been proved correct. 

Sitting just three points behind their rivals, Liverpool and Szoboszlai will be delighted as to how their season has started. 

However, as City have proved time and time again, they are simply a winning machine. If Liverpool are to seriously challenge they can ill afford any further slip ups over the busy festive period, as once City hit the front they will be hard to stop.

Hungary bids to host the Champions League final

puskas arena champions league 2026 russia match

The Hungarian Football Association has submitted its official bid to the European governing body for the 2026 or 2027 Champions League final by the 15 November deadline.

MLSZ spokesman Jenő Sipos told M1 news channel on Tuesday that the first two finals that could be bid for were the 2026 and 2027 finals, for which UEFA had received letters of intent from Hungary and Italy. Both countries submitted official bids by the 15 November deadline and will be evaluated by the European federation in February, which will also make comments and proposals.

UEFA will announce the hosts of the two BL finals next May.

Sándor Csányi, president of the Hungarian Football Association, indicated at the association’s general assembly in April that they would bid for the next available UEFA Champions League finals. According to him, the advantage is that UEFA is fully satisfied with the organisation of international matches, while the disadvantage is that there are much bigger stadiums.

“We will bid until we win,”

Csányi told the assembly.

As we wrote before, Budapest temporarily became the football capital of the world, when the Europa League final kicked off in front of a sold-out Puskás stadium, details HERE.

We also wrote about David Beckham arrival to Madame Tussauds Budapest.

Congratulations! Hungarian wins international touring car championships

Hungarian won international touring car championships

Fantastic success! Hungarian Norbert Michelisz won the TCR World Tour, an international touring car racing tour for TCR cars. Congratulations!

The TCR World Tour is an international touring car racing tour for TCR cars. The competition will consist of nine events selected from several TCR series worldwide. Mr Michelisz won the championships yesterday in the Macau race.

According to Blikk’s Sports magazine, Michelisz finished eighth in the race yesterday, but that was enough to win the championships. That is because the Hungarian driver had 18 points in advance before the race started.

Soon after the race began, many dropped out, and Michelisz could keep his eighth position until the end, which was enough to become the world champion for the second time. On the 2022 WTCR, he was fourth, while in 2021, he finished eighth. In 2020, he was 13th. But, in 2019, he won the WTCR. Below you may watch the final seconds of the race:

Read also:

  • Norbert Michelisz among the 50 best car racers in the world – Read more HERE
  • WOW! Hungarian Michelisz claims historic WTCR title!

Breaking: Hungary qualifies for European Championship! – PHOTOS

hungary bulgarian Euro 2024 Qualifier

The Hungarian national football team secured their place in the 2024 European Championship with a draw against Bulgaria tonight, on 16 November, in Sofia, Bulgaria.

With the success against Bulgaria, the Hungarian national team has already secured its participation in the European Championship. However, the qualification series is not over yet: on Sunday at 15:00, the national team will host Montenegro in the Puskás Arena, m4sport.hu reports.

According to Index, the Hungarian team played much better for most of the meeting. Still, they were losing 2-1 at the end of the 90 minutes. Then came the 97th minute and an own goal on the Bulgarian side. This own goal means a third European Championship in a row for Hungary.

European Championship qualification
Round 9
Group G

Bulgaria-Hungary 2-2 (1-1)
Sofia, Vasil Levski National Stadium, behind closed gates. Led by Stefanski (Poland)

BULGARIA: Naumov – V. Popov, A. Petkov, Antov, Nedyalkov – F. Krastev, Chochev (Atanasov, 43.), Gruev – Despodov (Rusev, 83.), Minchev (Kolev, 72.), Delev (S. Ivanov, 83.). Head coach: Ilian Iliev

HUNGARY: Dibusz – Botka (Kalmár, 81.), Lang, Szalai A. – Nego (Gazdag, 81.), Nagy Á., Styles, Kerkez – Szoboszlai D., Csoboth K. (Nagy Zs., 59.) – Ádám M. (Németh A., 74.). Head coach: Marco Rossi

Sent off: Antov (36.), Kerkez (57.)

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Budapest Honvéd FC vs. Paksi FC: A Showdown of Legends

paks kispest hungary football match

In one of the most highly anticipated clashes in Hungarian football, Budapest Honvéd FC and Paksi FC recently battled it out on the pitch, delivering an exhilarating performance that left fans on the edge of their seats. The match ended in a 2-2 draw after the full-time whistle, setting the stage for an intense penalty shootout in the fourth round. In the end, Paksi FC emerged victorious with a 5-4 win, securing their path to triumph in this unforgettable showdown.

Head-to-Head Stats

So, how does this affect the H2H stats of the teams?

The H2H stats can be a good metric to determine the outcome of any match. So far, Honvéd is coming out on top, but Paksi has also shown some remarkable feats over the past few years.

Whether it’s a casual football fan or someone who enjoys to bet on football, everyone will agree that Honvéd is the better team. The way Paksi won was, nevertheless, not a fluke but a sheer display of skill and determination. Before the game began, Honvéd were favored +330 while the Paksi had the odds of -200. The odds for a draw were placed somewhere in the middle, not very likely but neither unusual for a game like this.

Now, in total, the two teams have played 54 matches. Out of these, Honvéd has won 21 and Paksi 11. The other 22 have been drawn. In terms of total score, Honvéd has scored 70 and Paksi 56. The stadium and the fans also played a pivotal role. Any kind of football forecast takes all such information into account to come to a conclusion.

However, what was surprising this time was the stadium. In the Fehérvári úti Stadion, Paksi FC has had the upper hand, winning 8 out of 25 games and drawing 10, while losing to Honvéd 7 times. On the other hand, in the Bozsik József Stadion, Honvéd has won 14 out of 28 times while only losing to Paksi 2 times (12 matches have been drawn).

This was a match in the Bozsik.

This does skew things in the favor of Paksi, undoubtedly. But still, going into the future, there are hardly any doubts about Honvéd’s better form in the season.

Future games?

Long gone are the times of the club’s Italian Renaissance under Marco Rossi. But still, they are going strong with renewed vigor.

As the footballing world eagerly anticipates the next clashes of the titans in the Hungarian football scene, Budapest Honvéd FC and Paksi FC both promise further sparks, suspense, and standout moments in their upcoming matches against other opponents.

Budapest Honvéd FC boasts an attack known for its creativity and flair. Their ability to break down defenses and score stunning goals is a defining feature. On the other hand, Paksi FC has displayed resilience in their defensive setup. The contest between these offensive and defensive strategies will be a focal point.

In related news, the OTP Bank Liga ended with Paksi winning 2-1 over Honvéd, even though many more thought that it would be the other way around. Here, too, many football fans expected Paksi to succumb, but they held strong.

Bulgaria has blocked the Hungarian national team from playing their crucial match in front of spectators

fans szoboszlai

The Hungarian team will play against Bulgaria in Plovdiv instead of Sofia, and the Bulgarian Football Union has issued a press release that the match will be played in front of empty stands.

The host association, responsible for organising the national team’s European Championship qualifier on 16 November, has changed the venue and time of the Bulgaria-Hungary match for security reasons and has chosen to bar fans from entering the stadium.

The Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) has asked UEFA to allow the 16 November Bulgaria-Hungary EURO2024 qualifying match to be held in Plovdiv instead of Sofia, with a kick-off time of 6.45 p.m. instead of the originally announced 8.45 p.m. Hungarian time.

UEFA also agreed to hold the match behind closed gates due to the exceptional circumstances, so the match will be played without any fans in attendance.

The host association took this decision 10 days before the match to avoid any unwanted incidents or potential atrocities. The MLSZ, while regretting the inconvenience caused to fans who have already bought tickets for the match, will of course arrange for their refunds. Even though the decision was not taken by the Hungarian FA, it offers its apologies to Hungarian fans planning to attend the match. Ticket holders will be contacted by e-mail shortly.

As we wrote earlier, the Hungarian national team could not secure a place at the EC in Lithuania, details HERE.

Also, we wrote about the Israeli national football team relocating matches to Hungary, details HERE.

Hungarian footballer dies in fatal car accident in Austria

varga márkó

The Hungarian footballer who scored a goal in the weekend’s league round tragically lost his life in a car accident at dawn.

Márkó Varga, a footballer for ASKÖ DONAU in Linz, passed away in a devastating traffic accident on Saturday morning after being transported to the hospital.
The 26-year-old player contributed to ASKÖ’s 6-0 victory against SPG Union TTI St. Florian with an impressive game and a goal.

According to reports in Austrian newspapers, Márkó Varga’s car collided with a lorry on the A1 motorway in the early hours of Saturday under circumstances that remain unclear. The impact was so severe that the lorry was ejected from the car. Despite prompt medical attention from the ambulance, the footballer’s life could not be saved.

The footballer was expected home by his wife and 4-year-old son. TV2 Tények reported that Márkó Varga was struck by a Tunisian lorry driver en route to Vienna. The child’s car seat was dislodged during the accident, prompting a search by the police with the assistance of dogs and drones. It was later confirmed that the little boy was not with him at the time of the tragedy.

The 47-year-old Ukrainian driver of the car behind narrowly avoided a collision but was rear-ended by a fourth car driven by a 37-year-old Tajik driver.
Following this tragic incident, ASKÖ DONAU Linz’s website and social media page have been filled with expressions of mourning. The club’s communication team has changed the profile and cover pictures to black, and numerous condolences have poured in from both Austrians and Hungarians.

As we wrote earlier, these are the most dangerous motorways in Hungary.

Israeli national football team relocates matches to Hungary

Israeli football team

In a display of international sportsmanship, the Israeli national football team will be relocating its home matches to the Pancho Arena in Felcsút, Hungary, during the November matchdays of the European Championship qualifying series. This decision has been necessitated by the ongoing armed conflict between Palestine and Israel, which has made it impossible for the team to play in their native land. 

Israeli national team matches in Hungary

MLSZ reported that the Israeli national team will play two crucial matches in Hungary. On 15 November, they will face Switzerland, followed by a match against Romania on 18 November. Both of these encounters will take place at the Pancho Arena in Felcsút. These matches hold significant importance in the European Championship qualifying series. Thus, Hungary has offered its facilities as a neutral venue to ensure that the competition proceeds as planned.

Collaboration between associations

This act of solidarity is a result of collaborative efforts between the Israeli Football Association (IFA) and the Hungarian Football Association (MLSZ). The IFA will oversee the organisation of the matches and ticket sales for spectators. Additionally, the MLSZ will provide vital professional support to ensure the smooth preparation and execution of the games.

Global support

Furthermore, this gesture from the MLSZ aligns with expectations that UEFA and the Israeli Federation, along with their respective opponents, would come together to ensure the Israeli national team’s ability to compete. It exemplifies the international football community’s commitment to the spirit of fair play and solidarity.

In conclusion, the decision to host the Israeli national team matches in Hungary ensures that these important matches can proceed despite challenging circumstances.

Budapest will hold Olympic qualifiers for new sports: BMX freestyle, breaking, sport climbing, skateboarding

Budapest Olympic qualifiers BMX freestyle Budapest

Balázs Fürjes, recently elected as a permanent member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), said his appointment was a reflection of the trust placed in Hungary as part of the “Olympic family”.

He told public broadcaster M4 that he was honoured to have been put forward as a candidate for the post.

“I’ve been involved in sports … in designing and planning sports facilities and as part of the management of the Budapest World Championships,” he said.

He noted that, also, last year IOC President Thomas Bach asked him to join the planning committee for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

On the subject of the possibility of Hungary hosting the Olympic Games in the future, he advised caution as the country faced other challenges right now, and in any case, he added, the Hungarian Olympic Committee and the Budapest municipality would have to find common ground. “There’s no reason to hurry,” he said, noting that the IOC would not consider the issue before 2027.

According to olympics.com, Shanghai and Budapest will hold the Olympic Qualifier Series for the following new sports: BMX freestyle, breaking, sport climbing, and skateboarding.

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PHOTOS, VIDEO: The Hungarian national team could not secure a place at the EC in Lithuania

Hungary football

The Hungarian football team, coming from a two-goal deficit, managed to secure a 2-2 draw with Lithuania in a European Championship qualifying match in Kaunas. Although they maintained their position at the top of their group, they failed to secure their spot in the tournament.

Fedor Cernych and Pijus Sirvys gave the home side a two-goal advantage against the Hungarian team that performed poorly in comparison. However, after the break, the situation reversed as Marco Rossi’s team took control. Dominik Szoboszlai scored in the 11th minute and later equalised in the 82nd minute with Barnabás Varga’s 20th goal of the season, as reported by Nemzeti Sport.
Hungary‘s lead over Serbia, who have one additional game to play, narrowed to just one point, but they still maintained a six-point lead over Montenegro, which currently occupies the third position.
Hungary only needs one point to secure their place in the remaining two matches. The national team is set to face winless Bulgaria on 16th November.

HERE IS THE HIGHLIGHT VIDEO OF THE GAME

PHOTOS, VIDEO: Hungary beats Serbia, Hungarians almost surely on the European Championships

Hungary defeated Serbia football

First-half goals from Barnabás Varga and Roland Sallai handed Hungary another inspirational victory under head coach Marco Rossi as they defeated Serbia 2-1 in the Puskás Aréna in Budapest.

Rossi had opted to replace injured central defender Willi Orbán with experienced right-footed defender Attila Fiola in his starting line-up, Ádám Lang and Attila Szalai making up the three-man defensive line in front of goalkeeper Dénes Dibusz. A four-man midfield of Milos Kerkez, Ádám Nagy, Callum Styles and Loic Nego sat behind a dynamic front three of Roland Sallai and captain Dominik Szoboszlai just behind lone central striker Barnabás Varga.

Hungary were well organised, combative and ruthlessly efficient on the counter-attack from the outset. Although Serbia dominated possession throughout, their only goal came via Pavlovic’s flicked header from Zivkovic’s right-wing corner, one which levelled the scores after Varga’s smart, low finish from Loic Nego’s 20th-minute cutback, but which was rendered immaterial just two minutes later when Sallai turned cleverly and lashed a spectacular 36th-minute volleyed winner high into the left side of the visitors’ goal from 20 metres, mlsz.hu wrote.

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Not even a red card could stop us

An action-packed second half saw Serbia put the ball in the Hungary net twice within the first eight minutes, only for both to be ruled out for offside, as well as hit the right post twice from close range within a few seconds midway through the half as pressure mounted on the hosts. Hungary gave as good as they got though and managed to create numerous opportunities, one for substitute Bendegúz Bolla who shot wide when clean through on goal and several for the dangerous Varga, but the closest the prolific Ferencváros frontman came to extending Hungary’s lead came was when his looping header bounced off the crossbar in the 68th minute.

Although Serbia pushed hard in the remaining time, they couldn’t penetrate Hungary’s stoic defence and on the rare occasions they did, they came up against Dibusz in outstanding form, not least in the 93rd minute when he somehow diverted Milinkovic-Savic’s close-range header over the crossbar, an action which effectively secured victory for Marco Rossi’s team. Not even Zsolt Kalmár’s red card for a second bookable offence after the final whistle could dampen sky-high Hungarian spirits!

This hard-earned three points means Hungary now top their European Championship qualifying group on 13 points, three ahead of Serbia in second spot and five ahead of Montenegro on eight, meaning one more win from their next three fixtures will ensure qualification for EURO 2024 in Germany next summer.

Here is a video of the highlights:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fg-Mpd6MeVM

HUNGARY 2-1 SERBIA (HT: 2-1)

Referee: Francois Letexier

HUNGARY (surnames first): Dibusz Dénes – Fiola Attila (Botka Endre, 74), Lang Ádám, Szalai Attila – Nego Loic (Bolla Bendegúz, 63), Nagy Ádám, Styles Callum (Kalmár Zsolt, 63), Kerkez Milos – Sallai Roland (Kata Mihály, 74), Varga Barnabás (Ádám Martin, 84.), Szoboszlai Dominik

SERBIA: V. Milinkovic-Savic – Pavlovic, Milenkovic, Erakovic (Tadic, 46.) – Terzic (Kostic, 46.), Sz. Milinkovic-Savic, Gudelj, Zivkovic (Radonjic, 75.) – Gacinovic (Djuricic, 67.), Mitrovic, Lukic (Ratkov, 84.).

Goalscorers: HUN: Varga Barnabás (21.), Sallai Roland (34.) SRB: Pavlovic (33)

Dominik Szoboszlai: The sensational prodigy bringing the glory days back to Hungary

szoboszlai

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Hungary has long had a reputation for nurturing some of football’s most prodigious talents. Dominik Szoboszlai is one such youngster who has the world at his feet and is seen as the man to bring the glory days back to the Hungarian national team. Szoboszlai is only 22 years old, yet he possesses leadership qualities usually reserved for a man several years his senior and footballing skills usually only seen once in a generation. Such is his ability that his presence in the starting line-up influences online betting in Texas, across Europe, and the world over.

Szoboszlai is an incredible talent. European football’s most prominent clubs had him locked firmly in their sights when it became known that RB Leipzig was open to selling him for the right price. Liverpool of the English Premier League beat everyone to Szoboszlai’s signature, and he now plies his trade on the biggest stage. Want to know more about the young man carrying the weight of a nation on his shoulders?

The Early Years

Szoboszlai’s journey to football stardom began in the picturesque Hungarian town of Székesfehérvár. His father, Zsolt Szoboszlai, was a professional footballer in the Austrian lower leagues. Zsolt wanted his son to follow in his footsteps and began training him from the age of three by placing plastic bottles on the ground for the young Szoboszlai to dribble a football around.

They say practice makes perfect, and it did not take long before scouts noticed Szoboszlai’s natural ability. FC Liefering in Austria, a club known for its commitment to young talent, offered Szoboszlai the chance to join their youth academy.

He made his debut for Liefering as a tender 17-year-old on July 21, 2017, and scored his first professional goal two weeks later. Szoboszlai played 42 games in midfield for Liefering, scoring 16 times.

The Move to RB Salzburg

Many of Europe’s top clubs were monitoring Szoboszlai’s progress after a stellar start to his career. RB Salzburg, one of Austria’s top clubs, secured Szoboszlai’s signature. It is fair to say Szoboszlai hit the ground running despite the obvious step up in the quality of the opposition he faced. His growth continued rapidly, with his midfield performances showcasing his ability to dictate play and create goal-scoring opportunities, and he showed he knew where the goal was.

In December 2019, he scored a last-minute winner in the UEFA Champions League against Liverpool. Little did he know then that he would eventually turn out in the famous red shirt of Liverpool.

Szoboszlai spent three years with RB Salzburg, scoring 26 goals in 83 appearances in all competitions.

Moving to RB Leipzig

In January 2021, Szoboszlai embarked on a new journey when he put pen to paper with RB Leipzig of the German Bundesliga. The German team paid a reported €20 million for the up-and-coming star, making him the most expensive Hungarian player in history. Injuries prevented Szoboszlai from making an appearance during the 2020-21 season.

Szoboszlai shone for RB Leipzig in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 campaigns, playing in a total of 91 games in the Bundesliga, cup competition, and Europe and finding the back of the net 20 times.

Becoming Liverpool’s Future Captain

Liverpool, one of the most famous clubs in world football, was overhauling its midfield after the 2022-23 season. Head coach Jurgen Klopp earmarked Szoboszlai as his priority signing. Upon learning RB Leipzig has inserted a release clause into Szoboszlai’s contract, the Premier League giants met RB Leipzig’s valuation of €70 million and happily made the bank transfer.

Life in Liverpool has started well for Szoboszlai, with the youngster already putting in Player of the Match performances. He made his Liverpool debut in the season’s opening game in a 1-1 draw with Chelsea and scored his first Liverpool goal in a 3-0 victory over Aston Villa.

Klopp has described Szoboszlai as “a beast,” the faithful Liverpool supporters are already singing the Hungarian’s praises.

The International Star

Szoboszlai represented the Hungarian national team at Under-17 level, where he was the team captain and a stand-out performer. He also captained the Under-19 team and progressed to the Under-21 side despite only being 17.

In June 2017, still aged 17, Szoboszlai received his first full international call-up but did not feature in the games against Russia or Andorra. In March 2019, Szoboszlai made his international debut in a Euro 2020 qualifier against Slovakia. His first goal in the famous red of Hungary also came against Slovakia later in the qualification process.

By November 2022, Szoboszlai was one of the first names on the Hungary team sheet. Following the retirement of Ádám Szalai and a long-term injury to Péter Gulácsi, Szoboszlai was appointed captain of the national team, a significant honor in any player’s eyes.

To date, Szoboszlai has scored seven goals in 34 games for Hungary. If Szoboszlai manages to stay relatively injury-free throughout his career, there is no doubt that he will break Balázs Dzsudzsák‘s national team appearance record of 109 caps.

The Hope of Hungarian Football

Hungary has a rich footballing history thanks to the “Golden Team” of the 1950s achieving legendary status. The likes of Nándor Hidegkuti, Sándor Kocsis, and the iconic Ferenc Puskás put Hungarian football on the map. Things have not been as rosy for the Hungarian national team since those memorable days, but the good times could be returning with Szoboszlai in the starting XI.

Szoboszlai has abundant technical brilliance, drawing comparisons to some of the game’s greatest playmakers. He has vision and creativity beyond his years, and his goal-scoring ability is incredible for such a young midfielder.

It is not only Szoboszlai’s ability that could be the catalyst for the return of glory days to Hungarian football but also the fact he is an inspiration to millions of young Hungarians. Football-crazy kids will watch Szoboszlai and want to emulate him. They know that although much of Szoboszlai’s talent is natural, he has spent countless hours honing his skills, so anything is possible with hard work and dedication.

The 2023 Masters: a refreshing departure from tradition

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The illustrious Masters Tournament is not just a golf championship; it is an evolving story of athletic prowess, underdogs, champions, and the tantalizing allure of the green jacket. The 87th edition, held in April 2023, was no exception. But this year had an extra dash of surprise, innovation, and historic moments that made it stand out from its predecessors.

A Spanish Victor with a Twist

The first and most obvious deviation from the norm was Jon Rahm’s masterful victory. Entering the tournament, FanDuel golf odds might have had Rahm listed behind Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, yet his performance proved doubters wrong. Rahm’s win inscribed his name alongside other Spanish legends such as Seve Ballesteros and Sergio Garcia.

However, his journey to the top was anything but ordinary. Battling the elements, competitors, and the challenging Augusta National Golf Club, Rahm’s final round score of three-under-par 69 was both impressive and indicative of his sheer determination. His victory wasn’t just a testament to his skill but also a beacon of hope to aspiring golfers around the world.

The Old Dog’s New Tricks

Phil Mickelson’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary. At 52, he showcased that age is just a number, shooting a 65 in the final round to tie for second. This feat made him the oldest player in Masters history to finish in the top five. Such a performance from Mickelson was not just refreshing, but it also emphasized the depth of talent and the sheer unpredictability of the tournament.

Course Changes: A Test for the Best

Augusta National has always been renowned for its challenging layout, and in 2023, it further cemented this reputation. The par-5 13th hole, now stretching to a massive 545 yards, was a particular testament to this, forcing players to think more about whether to go for the hole in two. The extension, which was enabled by the acquisition of land from the neighboring Augusta Country Club, posed an intriguing challenge for the players who, in the past, made the hole look like a par-4. This strategic modification was not just an enhancement of physical length but also a test of mental strength, strategy, and adaptability.

An Elite Ensemble

The Masters field has always been exclusive, with participation by invitation only. With the smallest roster among the major championships, every golfer on the course is among the best in the world. The stringent criteria, which include achievements ranging from past victories to work rankings and performances in recent major tournaments, ensure a thrilling spectacle. This year’s ensemble, as ever, was a rich tapestry of seasoned veterans, hungry newcomers, and those in between, all vying for the coveted title. The leaderboard in the end saw names like Rahm, Mickelson, Brooks Koepka, Viktor Hovland, and Jordan Spieth vying for the green jacket.

The Overall Impact

This year’s Masters reminded the world of the unpredictability of the sport. Rahm’s breakthrough, Mickelson’s age-defying moves, the amplified challenges of the course, and the vibrant mix of participants all combined to create a tournament that will be remembered for years.

Gazing into the Future of The Masters

As we reflect on the unexpected turns of The Masters 2023 and even how the 2023 Ryder Cup developed with Europe dominating the United States, it’s tantalizing to ponder what lies ahead. The precedent set this year suggests that Augusta National is not shy about course adaptations, so we might witness further tweaks that challenge the new generation of golfers.

The 2024 edition promises to be exciting with huge storylines. Rory McIlroy’s quest to win the career grand slam will once again be the top story at Augusta, while Viktor Hovland seeks to finally break through and win a major championship. The world will also wait to see if Tiger Woods will compete again a year after re-injuring his leg during the difficult conditions in the third round.

With the rise of young talent globally, the diversity and depth of the field are bound to grow, introducing fresh narratives and rivalries. On the other hand, seasoned players have proven that they aren’t fading away quietly. The blend of youthful vigor and seasoned expertise promises that future tournaments will be an unpredictable and thrilling ride.

All in all, while the Masters’ tradition is rich and deep-rooted, the 2023 edition proved that even the most time-honored events can surprise, innovate, and evolve. The blend of the old and new, the expected and unexpected, all coalesced into a tournament that, while still fundamentally the Masters, felt refreshingly different. As fans, analysts, and golf enthusiasts look ahead, it’s evident that the sport’s future, and this storied tournament, is as exciting as its illustrious past.

Nemzeti Vágta, a truly Hungarian horse race – photo gallery

Nemzeti Vágta, a truly Hungarian horse race, 2023

Tamara Tóth, rider of Kecskemét, won the final of the 16th Nemzeti Vágta (National Riding Competition) with her horse Galaxy on Sunday evening at the Lipica Riding Centre in Szilvásvárad, Hungary.

Tamara Tóth of Bács-Kiskun County, who won the title of the fastest rider of 2023, received the National Riding Championship trophy, an 1848 Hussar saber, a statue of Hadik the Hussar from Herend, and the Golden Spurs Award at the ceremony. A victory blanket was draped over her horse Galaxy.

Nemzeti Vágta, a truly Hungarian horse race, 2023
Tamara Tóth of Bács-Kiskun County, who won the title of the fastest rider of 2023. Photo: MTI

In the final of the Small Cavalcade, Anna Júlia Rozs, rider of Szentkirály, won the final on her horse Nárcisz.

In the final of the Cog Race, three riders competed. The first place was won for the fifth time by Endre Tieger and Endre Tieger Jr. (his grandson) of the Dombóvár Sütvényi stud.

Nemzeti Vágta, a truly Hungarian horse race, 2023
Endre Tieger and Endre Tieger Jr. Nemzeti Vágta, a truly Hungarian horse race. Photo: MTI

In the afternoon, the final of the international race was also held, with the winner being Mahmoud Mohamed Jar Mohamed Raid of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The rider from the Republic of Croatia, Tena Belcic, finished second, and the rider from the United Kingdom, Dan Martin, finished third. In fourth place was the Dutch rider. The riders competed on Lipica horses, a native Hungarian breed.

Nemzeti Vágta, a truly Hungarian horse race, 2023
Mahmoud Mohamed Jar Mohamed Raid of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Photo: MTI

The winner of the Carriage Riding competition was the Abony team. The second place went to the Lófő team from Transylvania and the third place went to the Association of Horse Lovers from Ivan.

The Nemzeti Vágta event featured traditional Hungarian horse shows.

We also have photo gallery from 2021: Hungary’s largest equestrian competition concluded this weekend – PHOTOS

Ferencváros started the European Conference League with a win

Ferencváros

Ferencváros beat Serbian side Cukaricki at home in the European Conference League to top their group.

The football match did not start well for the Hungarian team, as Ivanovic gave the Serbs the lead in the 26th minute. However, Hungarian Barnabás Varga equalised from a penalty before the end of the half and Owusu’s goal gave the Green and White the lead. In the second half, Pesic made it 3-1.

In the other group match, Belgian side Genk drew 2-2 with Italian side Fiorentina, and Fradi top their group, nso.hu writes.