football

English star club buys Hungarian midfielder for record high sum

Dominik Szoboszlai English star club

Hungarian soccer player Dominik Szoboszlai has signed a contract with Liverpool FC, the Premier League club said on its website on Sunday.

The 22-year-old midfielder, the captain of the Hungarian national eleven, has signed a contract worth 70 million euros. It is for a term of five years. Szoboszlai will wear the number 8 shirt for Liverpool, the club said.

Here are some more photos of him as “Red”:

“Jürgen Klopp is hugely excited at the prospect of Dominik Szoboszlai’s immediate and long-term impact as a Liverpool player”, the club’s official Facebook page wrote. “[A] really historic club, really good players, good coach, everything is good. For me it was perfect to make the next step in a club like this. The fans, the stadium, everything is really good”, Szoboszlai said in his first interview after he signed his contract. Here is the video:

About his football career Dominik said in an interview that “before games, I can’t wait to get on the pitch. I don’t get nervous. I’ve only been nervous in one match in my entire career [against Liverpool] at Anfield. It’s a melting pot! The atmosphere is really amazing!”

Football: Hungary’s Most Loved Sport 

mlsz hun team

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Hungary has a long and glorious history in football, but also a long and painful decline. However, they have shown signs of resurgence and hope in recent years, qualifying for two consecutive Euros and playing with courage and flair. They have a young and talented team that can grow and improve in the future. In this article, we will look at the past, present, and future of football in Hungary. 

The Golden Age of Hungarian Football 

The golden age of Hungarian football was from the late 1940s to the mid-1950s when the national team was called the “Golden Team” or the “Magical Magyars“. The team was led by one of the best players ever, Ferenc Puskás, who scored 84 goals in 85 international games. Puskás was joined by other legendary players like Sándor Kocsis, Nándor Hidegkuti, Zoltán Czibor, József Bozsik, and Gyula Grosics. 

The Golden Team changed the game with their new tactics and style of play, which inspired the later development of Total Football. They played with a flexible formation that let players switch positions and roles depending on the situation. They also used short passes, quick movements, and high pressing to control the ball and create chances. 

 The Golden Team achieved amazing results on the international stage, winning the gold medal at the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki and finishing second at the 1954 World Cup in Switzerland. They also beat England twice in historic matches: 6–3 at Wembley Stadium in 1953, which was England’s first home loss to a non-British team; and 7–1 in Budapest in 1954, which is still England’s worst loss ever. 

The Golden Team had an unbeaten streak of 31 games between 1950 and 1954, which is one of the longest in football history. They also reached the highest Elo rating ever recorded by a national team: 2230 in June 1954. 

The Decline of Hungarian Football 

The decline of Hungarian football started after the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, which made several key players leave the country or defect to other teams. Puskás played for Hungary until 1956 but then moved to Spain and joined Real Madrid. Czibor and Kocsis also left Hungary and played for Barcelona. The political chaos and repression also hurt the development of football in Hungary, as many clubs were shut down or renamed by the communist regime. 

Hungary still managed to qualify for some major tournaments in the next decades but never reached the same level of success as before. Their best results were finishing third at the 1964 European Championship and fourth at the 1966 World Cup. They also qualified for Euro 1972 but did not get out of their group. Their last appearance at a World Cup was in 1986 when they came last in their group. 

Hungary also had trouble producing world-class players after the golden generation retired. Some notable exceptions were Flórián Albert, who won the Ballon d’Or in 1967; László Kubala, who played for Barcelona and Spain; and Lajos Détári, who starred for Olympiacos and Eintracht Frankfurt. 

Hungary hit rock bottom in the 1990s and early 2000s when they failed to qualify for any major tournament and reached their lowest FIFA ranking: 87th in July 1996. They also suffered some embarrassing defeats like losing 8–1 to the Netherlands in 2013.  

The Resurgence of Hungarian Football 

The resurgence of Hungarian football began in the mid-2010s when they qualified for their first European Championship since 1972. They did so by finishing fourth in their qualifying group but making it through the playoffs by beating Bulgaria and Iceland. At Euro 2016 in France, they shocked many by topping their group ahead of Portugal, Iceland, and Austria. They made it to the round of 16 where they lost to Belgium. 

Hungary also qualified for Euro 2020 (postponed to 2021 due to COVID-19), by finishing fourth in their qualifying group but making it through the play-offs by beating Bulgaria and Iceland again. They were drawn into a tough group with Portugal, France, and Germany. They played their home games at the newly built Puskás Aréna in Budapest, which can hold over 67,000 fans. 

Hungary showed great spirit and resilience at Euro 2020, holding Portugal to a goalless draw until the final minutes when they conceded three goals. They then earned a historic point against world champions France with a 1–1 draw. They also came close to qualifying for the knockout stage when they led Germany twice but ended up with a 2–2 draw. 

Hungary also achieved promotion to the 2022–23 UEFA Nations League A, by finishing first in their group ahead of Turkey, Serbia, and Russia. They will face Italy, Belgium, and Spain in the next edition of the competition. 

The Future of Hungarian Football 

The future of Hungarian football looks promising, as the national team has shown signs of improvement and competitiveness in recent years. They have also qualified for back-to-back Euros for the first time in their history. They have a young and talented team that can aim to achieve new heights and glory in football. 

Hungary also has a strong youth system that produces promising players for the future. Some of the rising stars of Hungarian football are midfielder András Schäfer, who plays for DAC Dunajská Streda; forward Nemanja Nikolić, who plays for Fehérvár FC; and defender Bendegúz Bolla, who plays for Fehérvár FC. 

Hungary also has a modern and impressive infrastructure that supports the development of football in the country. The Puskás Aréna is one of the most advanced stadiums in Europe and hosted four games at Euro 2020. Hungary also has several other stadiums that meet UEFA standards such as the Groupama Aréna, the MOL Aréna Sóstó, and the Nagyerdei Stadion. 

Hungary also has a passionate and loyal fan base that supports the national team with enthusiasm and pride. The Hungarian fans created a great atmosphere at Euro 2020, filling up the Puskás Aréna with over 60,000 fans despite the COVID-19 pandemic. They also traveled to Munich to cheer on their team against Germany. 

Final thoughts 

Hungary has a long and glorious history in football, but also a long and painful decline. However, they have shown signs of resurgence and hope in recent years, qualifying for two consecutive Euros and playing with courage and flair. They have a young and talented team that can grow and improve in the future. However, they failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup after losing to Poland in their final match. They will have to wait until 2026 to try again. And for those who want to spice things up, there are top low deposit casinos in CA where they can have fun with online gambling. 

Looking to buy a stadium in Hungary? Then here is your chance

Salgótarján stadium

In Salgótarján, Hungary, the Szojka Ferenc Stadium has been put up for sale on the internet. Anyone can buy it if they have an extra HUF 336 million (EUR 907,781).

Salgótarján BTC’s stadium in the third division of the Hungarian football league has been put up for sale, writes Pénzcentrum. The 1,344-sqm site is a three-storey building next to the pitch, which houses changing rooms, bathrooms and offices. On the upper floor, there is a cafeteria and a break-out room.

In 2017, the stadium was due to be redeveloped and expanded to accommodate 5,000 people. This did not materialise, although the plans were ready, the rise in construction prices made the project impossible. Instead, a new stadium will be built.

The real estate agent responsible for the sale of the stadium has also advertised the somewhat dilapidated stadium on TikTok.

@halaszvivieningatlan♬ eredeti hang – Halász Vivien

What are Hungary’s realistic chances of qualifying for the EURO’s

budapest football stadium puskás_aréna

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International breaks are usually not welcomed with high enthusiasm by the most passionate football fans while club competitions are still active. However, all the European club competitions are now officially done and dusted, so it’s time for us to turn the focus of our entire football attention toward international football.

While the 2024 UEFA European Championship may now seem like a distant destination on the football map, the qualifiers are here, and they are the most crucial quest on the road to Germany. The UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying competition started in March and will run until November, and its group stage will decide 20 of the 23 teams that will progress to the final tournament.

All ten qualifying groups are hosting intense battles for the top two spots, and there is tons of excitement all over the competition. However, our focus is on Group G, where Hungary competes for their ticket to Germany.

With 5 remaining matches to play, the Nemzeti Tizenegy have the future in their own hands. However, obtaining a ticket to the EURO is always a challenge. Here is a short breakdown of all the opponents and our realistic chances of qualifying for the EURO 2024, and if you want to place a bet and make things more interesting, make sure to check out online kaszinó befizetés nélküli bónusz.

Serbia

The two matches against Serbia are where the situation might become tricky. Serbia so far hasn’t conceded a single goal in their qualifying campaign, so their three-at-the-back system has proven to be working faultlessly. On top of that, Stojković’s team has an abundance of talent. Most players are regular starters in clubs from the Big Five, so anything short of progressing to the final tournament will be considered a failure.

Although it will be inevitably tough, the Magyars, led by Dominik Szoboszlai, have enough talent to aim for a victory, at least on the home turf, in front of over 60,000 fans at the monumental Puskás Aréna.

Lithuania

Product Owner – Tony Sloterman once said that football has the ability to cause drama even when drama is the last thing expected. No matter how accurate Sloterman’s statement is, the safest bet on Hungary in Group G will still undoubtedly be the win against Lithuania.

The Lithuanians, managed by Edgaras Jankauskas, are the underdogs of Group G and are struggling to find their form. They lost to Serbia, and they drew at home with Bulgaria. Although no team should get underestimated, judging by the quality of the squad, the two matches against Lithuania are where the Magyars should be looking to get their 6 points that might decide the future of their qualifying campaign.

Montenegro

Getting a draw while being in total control of the match in Podgorica should be a great indicator that Hungary has more than enough quality to secure 3 points on home turf in November.

Montenegro is currently ranked 69 in the FIFA World Rankings. And although the team from the Balkans has a strong squad full of experienced players, the Hungarian side is technically way more gifted and has the tactical capabilities to exploit Montenegro’s weaknesses mainly through the flanks.

Bulgaria

It took Hungary less than 40 minutes to completely destroy the Bulgarian side at the Puskás Aréna Park in March, so envisioning 3 points from the match in Sofia in November seems expected.

With an average age of 23, the Bulgarians have one of the youngest squads in the competition. However, getting only 1 point from 3 matches can not be entirely blamed on inexperience. So far, Mladen Krstajic’s 3-4-2-1 system has failed to establish control and produce a substantial number of scoring chances, and the defensive line is paying the price for it.

Conclusion

The road to the EURO 2024 will undoubtedly be full of obstacles arriving in the form of refined tactical approaches. And although each match will be utterly demanding, Rossi’s men have proven that they have the ability to take the top spot in Group G. Even if things refuse to go as planned in the matches against Serbia, reaching the second spot in the group will also mean a direct qualification and a ticket to Germany.

UEFA opens investigation against Mourinho for his misbehaviour in Budapest

josé mourinho roma coach

UEFA has launched an investigation into Roma coach José Mourinho for abusive language directed at a referee after Wednesday’s Europa League final in Budapest.

UEFA has launched an investigation into José Mourinho for using abusive language against the referee after Wednesday’s Europa League final, BBC reports.

“The charge relates to an incident in a car park after the game, when Mourinho, 60, directed a foul-mouthed rant at English referee Anthony Taylor,” the news portal adds. (The coach shouted “f*cking disgrace” to Taylor.)

According to BBC, both clubs face a number of accusations over the behaviour of fans and players. Sevilla and Roma have been investigated for throwing objects, setting off fireworks and misbehaviour towards their teams.

UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) will decide in due course.

You can find our reports on the Europa League final below:

Video: police rescue referee from fans at Budapest Airport

europa league final

The Hungarian capital, Budapest, hosted the Europa League football final last night. Referee Anthony Taylor and fans of the losing team AS Roma were about to leave from Liszt Ferenc International Airport, and a serious confrontation unfolded.

According to Sportitalia, the angry Italian fans made threatening gestures towards Taylor. The incident required the intervention of the Hungarian police, who escorted Taylor to a separate room.

Taylor gave 14 yellow cards in the match, most of them to Roma players, and after the game, AS Roma coach José Mourinho was critical of the referee’s actions after the match.

VIDEO: Mourinho gave silver medal to a child then shouted at the referee after Budapest final

Mourinho Puskás Arena Budapest

AS Roma’s Portuguese coach José Mourinho did not take the defeat well after the European League final against Sevilla in Budapest. He gave his silver medal to a fan and then berated the referee in the underground car park of Hungary’s Puskás Arena.

A gift for the fan

As we reported, Sevilla beat Roma on penalties to win the football Europa League final in Budapest. Roma head coach José Mourinho was again in the starring role after the match, as usual for him, despite the defeat.

The coach, who has won all his international finals so far, did not want his first silver medal, so he gave it to a fan at the Puskás Arena in Budapest.

 

Dispute with the referee

Mourinho was not so kind later on when he shouted at the referee in the underground car park of the Budapest stadium in Hungary, hvg.hu writes.

Statue of Hungarian-born soccer player, Bologna coach Weisz unveiled in Budapest

Statue Árpád Weisz

A statue of Árpád Weisz, a Hungarian-born soccer player who coached Inter Milan and later Bologna before perishing in the Holocaust, was unveiled in Budapest on Wednesday.

The bronze statue was unveiled by Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and Gergely Gulyás, the head of the Prime Minister’s Office, together with Sándor Csányi, the head of the Hungarian Football Association (MLSZ) and Giuseppe Saputo, the chairman of the Italian Bologna football club.

Addressing the ceremony, Cohen described Weisz as being “a legendary coach” whose legacy has been an inspiration to coaches and players to date. “We must learn from the past and do all in our powers to pre-empt such a destruction from ever happening again,” the Israeli foreign minister said. He said the statue, the first erected for Weisz, serves also as a memento for Weisz, his family and the six million Jews who were murdered in Nazi death camps.

Gulyás in his address said that Weisz has left behind a legacy of unparalleled achievements and his fate is an “eternal warning” over the horrors of the Holocaust.

Europa League final in Budapest: Sevilla claims victory! – PHOTO GALLERY

europa league final budapest

Budapest temporarily became the football capital of the world for tonight. The Europa League final kicked off at 9 PM in front of a sold-out stadium. Sevilla and AS Roma fans started warming up for tonight’s match last night. Sevilla claimed victory tonight.

As we reported, fans arriving to Budapest were not too well-behaved. First, some fans clashed in Budapest’s 14 district, Zugló. Then, fans destroyed the Liszt Ferenc Square and left vomit and garbage everywhere.

Fans of the two teams received 15,000-15,000 tickets from the organisers. The remaining 16,800 tickets were available to anyone drawn by UEFA. The Puskás Arena has a total capacity of 63,000 for the final, with the remaining tickets going to the press, organisers, broadcasters and sponsors, Index reports.

The two starter teams

Sevilla: 13 Jasszin Bunu, 16 Jesús Navas, 44 Loic Badé, 6 Nemanja Gudelj, 3 Alex Telles, 20 Fernando, 21 Óliver Torres, 10 Ivan Rakitic, 55 Lucas Ocampos, 15 Jusszef en-Nesziri, 25 Bryan Gil

AS Roma: 1 Rui Patrício, 23 Gianluca Mancini, 6 Chris Smalling, 3 Roger Ibanez, 19 Zeki Celik, 4 Bryan Cristante, 7 Lorenzo Pellegrini, 8 Nemanja Matics, 37 Leonardo Spinazzola, 21 Paulo Dybala, 9 Tammy Abraham

Photo gallery

Europa League final: Fans wreak havoc at Liszt Ferenc Square, Budapest – PHOTOS

liszt ferenc square garbage

Liszt Ferenc Square has fallen due to foreign fans arriving for the Europa League final. This was reported by the mayor of Terézváros (District 6 of Budapest) on Facebook early Wednesday evening.

Tamás Soproni wrote that the fans arriving for the EL final simply destroyed the venue.

“The 4,000 plants that we planted the other day, designed by students, are dead. Broken bottles, vomit, rubbish everywhere, there are flower beds that have simply disappeared due to trampling,”

he wrote in his post.

Soproni said the organisers had not asked for their help. They had not been approached to provide increased law enforcement or public order personnel on the day, nor had they been informed of where the supporters would be gathering or the route of the diversion. As he wrote, he thinks that the police and the capital were at least consulted, but it is clear that the organisers did not act with due diligence.

“Tomorrow morning, my colleagues and I will be on site and will start cleaning up as soon as we can. We will, of course, repair the damage as soon as possible, but we will submit the bill to the National Event Management Agency Nonprofit Ltd. I hope that after the game we will not have another victim of our public space,”

he concluded.

Here are some pictures of the disaster the fans left in Liszt Ferenc Square:

Europa League final: Foreign fans clash in Budapest – VIDEO

europa league budapest

Foreign supporters arriving in Budapest for the Europa League final got into a fight in Zugló, the Budapest Police Headquarters (BRFK) said on the police website early Wednesday afternoon.

Several people got into a fight on Egressy Street in District 14 of Budapest on 31 May 2023 at around 2 PM. According to the available information, three people were injured. One Spanish and one Swedish citizen were taken to hospital for further treatment by the ambulance service, police.hu reports.

Police officers on duty in the vicinity arrived on the scene within minutes due to the increased control ordered for the Europa League final. The Budapest Police Headquarters District 14 Police Department has opened a criminal investigation into the suspected offence of group aggravated assault. So far seven Polish citizens have been arrested.

Here is a video of several fans misbehaving and throwing plates and glasses at each other in front of a downtown restaurant:

PHOTOS: PM Orbán spends his birthday lunch with UEFA leaders

orbán uefa birthday lunch

Prime Minister Viktor Orban met the leaders of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), including UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, for a working lunch at his office on Wednesday, the PM’s press chief said. PM Orbán was born on 31 May 1963, which makes him 60 years old today.

Orbán’s birthday lunch with UEFA leaders

UEFA’s leaders arrived in Hungary to attend the Europa League finals between AS Roma and Sevilla at the Budapest Sport Arena on Wednesday evening. Sándor Csányi, the head of the Hungarian football federation MLSZ, also attended the meeting.

The PM hosted the leaders of the European Football Association (UEFA), including President Aleksander Ceferin, for a working lunch at the Carmelite Monastery and took a selfie with Luis Figo. The meeting was also attended by György Szöllősi, Editor-in-Chief of Nemzeti Sport, 444.hu reports.

Ambassador Pressman also wished Orbán a happy birthday

The United States’ Ambassador to Hungary, David Pressman, wished PM Orbán a happy birthday on Twitter.

The US ambassador wished him a happy birthday, referring back to Orbán’s mockery of him as “Présember” (because of his name Pressman and the government claiming he puts “pressure” on Hungary).

Traffic restrictions incoming in Budapest

budapest traffic parking

Temporary traffic restrictions will be in place between 30 May and 1 June in several of Budapest’s districts. The detailed announcement by the police summarises the transportation information related to the UEFA Europa League final held at the Puskás Arena on Wednesday evening.

It also specifically highlights that the owners of vehicles removed from the restricted areas can inquire about their cars’ whereabouts by calling the toll-free number +36-80-180-780, writes 444.

Prohibited entrances and restrictions

There will be a total of 27 road sections where parking – both for pedestrians and cars – will be prohibited at various times between 30 May and 1 June, some spanning three full days. There are also plenty of areas affected within the downtown districts. Additionally, 16 road sections will be intermittently or temporarily closed to traffic during these days.

From 5 PM on 31 May until 3 AM on 1 June, there will be temporary traffic restrictions in the 1st, 5th, 7th, 8th, 10th and 14th districts. Only individuals with a residential card can enter, but even hey are not allowed to park in public areas. These restrictions will be implemented on 22 road sections. As if all this was not enough, following the implementation of the traffic closure, even residents with verified residential cards will not be permitted to enter the following areas below by car.

Affected roads

Between 5 PM on 31 May until AM on 1 June, the following areas in Budapest’s 7th, 8th, and 14th districts will see restricted traffic flow:

  • Both sides of Verseny Street between Dózsa György Road and Thököly Road.
  • Both sides of Konrad Adenauer Road between Zichy Mihály Road and Kós Károly Promenade.
  • Both sides of Zichy Mihály Road between Lev Tolsztoj Promenade and Olof Palme Promenade.
  • Both sides of Dózsa György Road between Kerepesi Road and Thököly Road.
  • Both sides of Stefánia Road, including the service road between Hungária Avenue and Thököly Road.
  • Both sides of Istvánmezei Road between Szabó József Street and Thököly Road.
  • The gravel parking lot located at the intersection of Dózsa György Road, Kerepesi Road, and Ifjúság Road.
  • Both sides of Cházár András Street between Thököly Road and Istvánmezei Road.
  • Both sides of Jobbágy Street between Verseny Street and Dózsa György Road.
  • Both sides of Szabó József Street between Istvánmezei Road and Thököly Road.
  • Both sides of Szabó József Square.
  • Both sides of Radovich Dusán Square.
  • Kerepesi Road, Ifjúság Road, the service road leading to Papp László Sport Aréna’s underground parking lot (on the hotel side), and the area adjacent to the Puskás Ferenc Stadion Metro Station.
  • Istvánmezei Road between Szabó József Street and Thököly Road.
  • Szabó József Street between Istvánmezei Road and Thököly Road.
  • Cházár András Street between Thököly Road and Istvánmezei Road.
  • Verseny Street between Dózsa György Road and Thököly Road.
  • Ifjúság Road between Kerepesi Road and Stefánia Road.
  • Jobbágy Street between Verseny Street and Dózsa György Road.

The match between Sevilla and Roma will take place on 31 May, starting at 9 PM. Many foreign football fans are expected to attend, and tickets have been selling out quickly.

Hungarian national soccer squad re-formed

Hungarian national soccer squar

Hungary head coach Marco Rossi has called up 24 players for the men’s national team’s two European qualifiers in June. Despite the fact that due to injury, regulars such as Attila Fiola, Péter Gulácsi, Zsolt Nagy, András Schäfer and András Németh will not be available, only one uncapped player has been selected.

The newcomer to the squad this time is 22-year-old Kecskemét defender Gábor Szalai, who has played 28 of his club’s 32 league matches this season and impressed Rossi enough to merit an international call-up for this double-header away to Montenegro then at home to Lithuania. Furthermore, goalkeeper Péter Szappanos, who was not selected for the squad last time, will return and similarly Callum Styles reappears having now recovered from injury.

Hungary’s squad:
Goalkeepers: Demjén Patrik (Zalaegerszegi TE) Dénes Dibusz (Ferencvárosi TC) Péter Szappanos (Budapest Honvéd)

Defenders: Botond Balogh (Parma), Endre Botka (Ferencváros), Ádám Lang (Omonia Nicosia), Willi Orbán (RB Leipzig), Attila Szalai (Fenerbahçe), Gábor Szalai (Kecskemét).

Midfielders: Péter Baráth (Ferencváros), Bendegúz Bolla (Grasshoppers), János Ferenczi (DVSC), Milos Kerkez (AZ Alkmaar), László Kleinheisler (Panathinaikos), Ádám Nagy (Pisa), Loic Nego (MOL Fehérvár), Callum Styles (Millwall).

Forwards: Ádám Martin (Ulsan Hyundai), Kevin Csoboth (Újpest), Dániel Gazdag (Philadelphia Union), Zsolt Kalmár (DAC), Roland Sallai (Freiburg), Dominik Szoboszlai (RB Leipzig), Barnabás Varga (Paks).

“Unfortunately, several of our players have not recovered from injuries, but the quality and unity of the team is still high,” Rossi commented. “We’ve selected only one newcomer, Gábor Szalai, because he is a young player in good condition and, moreover, a left-footed player, which is important in our defence. He can easily be Attila Szalai’s backup and has played well all season. He has good physical qualities, so we want to see him in the squad to see how he fits into the team and our style of play on the pitch“.

Some of the squad will start training at MLSZ’s training centre in Telki on 5th June, with the first full training session due to begin a week later at the same location. Marco Rossi’s team will face Montenegro in Podgorica on 17th June before returning to Budapest to host Lithuania in the Puskás Aréna three days later. Ticket purchase information relating to these two matches has been summarised in the Hungarian-language article HERE.  The support of the fans will be essential again, because two very difficult and important matches await Hungary’s men’ national team.

“We all know that there’s a lot at stake in every match during the qualifiers,” Rossi continued. “There’s no easy match in the campaign and the match against Montenegro is the second-most difficult based on form on paper. We know Montenegro’s game very well, we know their style and we know that it’s a very difficult task to get three points in Podgorica, which will of course be our goal on 17th June. The match against Lithuania may seem routine, but it won’t be, something which is clearly shown by the fact that they only lost 2-0 to Serbia and caused them a lot of trouble. It will be key to concentrate 100 percent throughout the match, because we know from the past that if we lose focus for even a moment, anyone can stand a chance against us. If our attitude and concentration are not at their optimum, then just as we’re able to beat stronger teams (who fall into that trap), teams weaker than us would also be able to do the same to us“.

Hungarian U17 national team defeats Wales with three-goal victory!

u17 hungary wales

Two second-half goals sealed a comprehensive victory for Attila Belvon’s team over Wales in their first group match of the UEFA men’s U17 European Championship tournament on Wednesday.

This was the team’s first competitive match under national coach Attila Belvon, since as hosts, playing European Championship qualifiers hadn’t been necessary. Opponents Wales, on the other hand, progressed from their qualifying groups both in autumn and spring, defeating both Croatia and Sweden on their way to this latest edition of UEFA U17 European Championship.

Although there wasn’t a full house at the Nándor Hidegkuti Stadium in Budapest, the fans created a great atmosphere in the arena from the outset. Hungary started the match a little nervously and several errors were evident as Wales dominated possession for the first half an hour or so, the visitors creating two opportunities in that time.

u17 hungary wales
Szilárd Szabó’s goal is celebrated by the players during the Hungary-Wales match. The host Hungarian team defeated Wales 3-0. Source: MTI/Szilárd Koszticsák

Firstly, in the 19th minute, Hatch headed narrowly wide, then in the 31st minute Morgan hit the post. The hosts threatened from corners and free kicks at this stage of the game and it wasn’t until the 41st minute that their first really big chance was created, when Attila Girsik’s superb pass sent Benedek Simon in on goal, but instead of shooting, he tried to go around goalkeeper Margetson and from an acute angle he could only shoot wide.

The Honvéd forward made amends just two minutes later though, latching on to Ádám Bagi’s pass, turning away from his defender and dispatching the ball into Wales’s net.

Wales started the second half in busier fashion, but the first clear sight of goal fell to Benedek Simon again, when he reached Varga’s pass and stroked the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper, only to miss the target by a few centrimetres.

u17 hungary wales
The Hungarian national team before the start of the Hungary-Wales match in the 1st round of the group stage of the U17 European Football Championship at the New Hidegkuti Nándor Stadium on 17 May 2023.
Source: MTI/Szilárd Koszticsák

In the 69th minute, Belvon made two substitutions, Csaba Molnár and Szilárd Szabó entered the field of play and they both made an almost immediate impact, Molnár shooting at goal from the left channel and Szabó converting the ball which had rebounded off the goalkeeper into the net from close range.

Hungary continued to threaten Wales’s backline and the match was finally decided in the 81st minute when a corner from the left found Ádám Umathum and he slid the ball into the net for Hungary’s third unanswered goal of the game.

There were no further goals, so Hungary can be very satisfied with their well-deserved opening victory, thanks largely to an excellent second-half display.

Hungary-Wales 3-0 (HT: 1-0)

Hungary: Áron Yaakobishvili – Attila Girsik, Ádám Umathum, Dominik Kaczvinszki, Csaba Hornyák – Zétény Varga (Csaba Molnár, 69), Noah Fenyő (Manuel Burghart, 90), Martin Kern (Bence Somfalvi, 80), Hunor Németh – Benedek Simon (Mátyás Vidnyánszki, 80), Ádám Bagi (Szilárd Szabó, 69). Head coach: Attila Belvon

Wales: Margetson – Thomas, Clarke, Lawlor, Beecher – Perret, Crew, Andrews – Biancheri, Morgan, Hatch. Head coach: Craig Knight

Goalscorers: Simon (43), Szabó (74), Á. Umathum. (81).

The Unlikely Game: How Cricket is winning Over Football Fans in Hungary

cricket

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Football has traditionally been the most popular sport in Hungary, a nation with a diverse sporting culture. However, cricket has gained a remarkable level of popularity among Hungarians in recent years. This improbable trend is the result of several factors, including cricket’s singular allure and football’s difficulties in Hungary.

Cricket vs. Football: Why cricket is gaining popularity in Hungary

Cricket is relatively obscure in Hungary, but it has been gaining fans. Cricket’s appeal helps explain this. Cricket, unlike football, is intricate and strategic. Success takes extensive game knowledge and talent. Playing and watching it is tough and rewarding.

Cricket’s complexity and social appeal draw Hungarians. Players and supporters typically drink and converse while watching the game. In a culture that values socializing, this is a terrific method to meet new people.

However, football in Hungary has been struggling recently. Corruption and scandals have plagued Hungarian football, and the national squad has struggled internationally. Football fans have gotten disillusioned and sought alternatives.

The rise of cricket in Hungary

The rise of cricket in Hungary can be traced back to the founding of the Hungarian Cricket Association in 2009. Since then, the sport has grown rapidly, with an increasing number of people taking up the game. This growth has been supported by the development of local leagues and tournaments, which have provided opportunities for players of all skill levels to participate in the sport.

Today, cricket is played in a number of cities across Hungary, including Budapest, Debrecen, and Szeged. The sport has attracted players from a wide range of backgrounds, including both Hungarians and expats. This has helped to create a diverse and inclusive cricket community in Hungary, which is one of the reasons for its growing popularity.

The future of cricket in Hungary

Despite its increasing prominence, cricket in Hungary still confronts a number of obstacles. One of the greatest obstacles is the dearth of accessible funding and resources to support the sport. In Hungary, cricket is still a comparatively minor and obscure sport, making it challenging to garner the necessary funding and support for its development.

Another obstacle cricket encounters in Hungary is competition from other sports. Football remains the most popular sport in Hungary, but basketball and handball also have large fan bases. In order for cricket to establish itself as a viable and competitive sport in Hungary, significant effort will be required.

Despite these obstacles, there is a tremendous opportunity for cricket in Hungary to continue to develop and succeed. Significant progress has already been made in the country, and there is a developing community of players and supporters who are committed to its growth. Many cricket enthusiasts import cricket bats from India, the finest country for bat production. In the future years, cricket could become a significant sport in Hungary with sustained support and investment.

Cricket vs. Football: Why cricket is gaining popularity in Hungary


  1. a) Unique appeal of cricket

Cricket has a unique appeal that sets it apart from football and other popular sports in Hungary. Two main factors contribute to this appeal:

  1. b) Complexity and strategy

Cricket is an intricate and strategic sport that demands a great deal of skill and accuracy. The sport involves numerous techniques, including batting, bowling, fielding, and strategy. Due to its complexity and emphasis on strategy, cricket attracts participants and spectators who appreciate a mental challenge.

  1. c) Social aspect

The communal aspect of cricket adds to its allure. The sport is renowned for its welcoming and diverse culture, in which participants of all ages and backgrounds can appreciate the game together. Those who may feel excluded or marginalized in other sports will find this aspect especially appealing.

  1. d) Challenges faced by football in Hungary

While football remains the most popular sport in Hungary, the sport has faced its fair share of challenges in recent years. Two main challenges are:

1) Lack of success at the international level

Despite its popularity, the Hungarian national football team has not had much success at the international level in recent years. This lack of success has led some fans to become disillusioned with the sport and to seek out other options.

2) Corruption and scandals

Another challenge facing football in Hungary is the issue of corruption and scandals. In recent years, there have been numerous high-profile cases of corruption and match-fixing, which have damaged the sport’s reputation and eroded fans’ trust.

The rise of cricket in Hungary

Despite the challenges faced by cricket, the sport has been growing steadily in Hungary, thanks in large part to the efforts of the Hungarian Cricket Association (HCA).

The founding of the Hungarian Cricket Association

The HCA was founded in 2006 with the aim of promoting and developing cricket in Hungary. Since then, the organization has worked tirelessly to establish a strong foundation for the sport, including setting up leagues and tournaments, and promoting the game to new audiences.

The growth of the sport

Thanks to the efforts of the HCA, cricket has been growing steadily in Hungary. There has been an increase in participation, with more and more players taking up the sport each year. The sport has also seen the development of local leagues and tournaments, providing opportunities for players to compete and showcase their skills.

Increased participation

More and more Hungarians are taking up cricket, either as a way to stay active and healthy or as a way to connect with others and make new friends. This increased participation has helped to raise the profile of the sport and generate more interest in it.

Development of local leagues and tournaments

Along with increased participation, the development of local leagues and tournaments has also played a key role in the growth of cricket in Hungary. These leagues and tournaments provide opportunities for players of all skill levels to compete and develop their skills, and have helped to build a strong community around the sport.

In conclusion, cricket is constantly acquiring popularity among Hungarian sports enthusiasts. The opportunity for cricket to establish itself in the country has been created by the sport’s unique allure and the difficulties confronted by football. Although there are still impediments to surmount, the development of cricket in Hungary provides optimism for the sport’s future in the country.

Football: Hungarian coach to save top German club

Dárdai Pál, footballer, coach

Former Hungarian ex-football player turned coach Pál Dárdai is to return to the bench of Berlin-based Hertha BSC. This was confirmed on the official website of the sports club on Sunday afternoon.

This will be the third time Dárdai is appointed as head of the team in the last 8 years. He first led the German top club between 2015 and 2019 and was then appointed later again in 2021. Now, his job is clear, but the task is rather hard to tackle. He is to save Hertha from relegation from the German Bundesliga, according to Nemzeti Sport.

Club and national football legend

Dárdai’s history with Hertha Berlin goes back all the way to 1997. He transferred to the club at the age of 21 and spent the rest of his professional career here. With a grand total of 373 matches, he holds the title in the team’s history for most appearances. In addition, Dárdai also debuted countless times on the international stage, playing 61 matches in the colours of the Hungarian national football team.

After retiring in 2011, he worked as part of the staff for the junior teams at Hertha, before being promoted to head coach of the adult team in 2015. Originally meant as a temporary position, he fulfilled the role until 2019. In these 4 years, the club regularly finished in the first half of the table, even reaching Europa League qualification in 2017.

In 2019, he returned to working with the youth team. However, this did not last long, as in early 2021 they called him back to save the team from relegation to the second league. He managed to achieve this but was sacked regardless after less than a year for unsatisfying performance and his feud with the sports director of the club, Fredi Bobic.

Potential saviour

It looks like the leadership in Berlin expects Dárdai to perform yet another miracle. The outlook is bleak, to say the least. Hertha BSC currently occupies the last place (18th) on the Bundesliga Table, with only 22 points after 28 matches. With just 6 matches left, the club must reach at least the 15th spot if they want to avoid relegation.

“Everyone knows what I feel towards Hertha. I didn’t hesitate a second when they called me. We have 6 matches left in the season, possibly 8. I will do everything in my capacity to keep the club in the Bundesliga. It won’t be an easy task, but I am looking forward to the challenge”

– Dárdai proclaimed.

According to him, the management of the club convinced him for hours to take the role. He finally agreed and promised to coach the team until the summer. After that, the future is yet uncertain.

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UEFA will have a Hungarian vice-president until 2027

rsz_hungary_football_team_match

On the 47th UEFA Congress, held Wednesday in Lisbon.

The 47th UEFA Congress, held Wednesday in Lisbon, has unanimously re-elected Aleksander Čeferin as UEFA President for the period 2023–27. Sándor Csányi, president of the Hungarian Football Federation and CEO of the OTP Bank, was re-elected for a FIFA Vice-President position for a four-year term by acclamation, following the withdrawal of candidature of Ari Lahti prior to the election for this position, mlsz.hu wrote.