Hungarian victory to no avail

Hungary’s outside hopes of claiming a 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ play-off spot came to naught despite ending their Group D campaign with a 2-0 triumph over Andorra.

Nermanja Nikolic’s header and an own goal from Ildefons Lima meant the win was a positive end to a turbulent few days for the Hungarians, who saw coach Sandor Egervari resign after an 8-1 mauling at the hands of the Netherlands.

However, other results went against them on Tuesday night as Romania snatched second place in the group behind the Dutch with victory over Estonia.

It was a one-sided affair in Budapest, with Andorra goalkeeper Ferran Pol kept busy in the first half by Zoltan Stieber. But Hungary’s pressure finally paid off seven minutes into the second half thanks to Nikolic, who met a cross into the area from Balazs Dzsudzsak to power a header into the top-right corner from close range. Pol came to the rescue again minutes later to fist away a drilled effort from Vladimir Koman, while Andorra’s best chance of the match was a 72nd-minute shot from Cristian Martinez Alejo which was well held by home goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly. An unfortunate own goal from Lima 11 minutes from time eventually spelled the end for the visitors, who then suffered further disappointment with the late dismissal of Moises San Nicolas for a second yellow card.

Source: FIFA