Hungary is possibly the unluckiest nation heading into the upcoming Euros. They have been drawn in the group of death with the likes of France, Portugal, and Germany. As a nation that does not really have that big a history in international competitions, it will be a pretty steep mountain to climb. The Magyarok used to be a force to reckon with in the early days. Despite not having won a world cup trophy, they used to have a pretty impressive record.
They were runners-up on two occasions and quarter-finalists on three others. Of course, there has been a steep decline in Hungarian football since the days of Ferenc Puskas, but the Magyarok is showing signs of resurgence again, especially after their incredible group stage performance in the last Euros.
Hungary has qualified for the European competitions three times in its history. The upcoming competition will mark their fourth time participating. All three times, the Magyarok have done pretty well. Their first European competition was the 1964 European Nations’ Cup, in which they finished in third place. They beat Denmark 3-1 in the third-place playoff match. The next was the 1972 Euro Cup, in which they finished in fourth place after losing 2-1 to Belgium in the third-place playoff.
The third and most recent Hungary Euro participation came in 2016. Hungary was drawn in the group that had eventual champions Portugal, Iceland, and Austria. Everyone expected Portugal to easily capture the first position, but it was the Hungarians that finished top of the group. They were, however, knocked out of the round of 16 after a 4-0 drubbing by Belgium.
What the Hungarian squad does not have in international superstars, they have in teamwork. The side, in recent history, has played brilliantly as a unit, and has beaten powerhouses. With fans being allowed in the stadium, the Magyarok will look for their unwavering support to push on as far as possible in the Euros.
Hungary does have three key players in the squad who can make a difference. First is Captain Adam Szalai. The attacker has been part of the Hungarian side for years now has brings tons of experience to the plate. Currently, a player for Mainz, Szalai had a season to forget, but the veteran always turns up when he plays for his nation.
His main job, however, would be to lead the group. The second is goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi. The 31-year-old plays for RB Leipzig and is a wonderful shot-stopper. He had a brilliant season and seems to be in top form going into the tournament. Last, but not least, RB Leipzig defender Willi Orban. One of the important reasons behind Leipzig having such a good defensive record last season is Orban. As a defender, he manages to get amongst the goals sometimes as well. He scored four goals and had one assist for Leipzig last season, and will have lot of expectations from the Hungarian supporters ahead of the Euros.
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Hungary is possibly the unluckiest nation heading into the upcoming Euros. They have been drawn in the group of death with the likes of France, Portugal, and Germany. As a nation that does not really have that big a history in international competitions, it will be a pretty steep mountain to climb. The Magyarok used to be a force to reckon with in the early days. Despite not having won a world cup trophy, they used to have a pretty impressive record.
They were runners-up on two occasions and quarter-finalists on three others. Of course, there has been a steep decline in Hungarian football since the days of Ferenc Puskas, but the Magyarok is showing signs of resurgence again, especially after their incredible group stage performance in the last Euros.
Hungary has qualified for the European competitions three times in its history. The upcoming competition will mark their fourth time participating. All three times, the Magyarok have done pretty well. Their first European competition was the 1964 European Nations’ Cup, in which they finished in third place. They beat Denmark 3-1 in the third-place playoff match. The next was the 1972 Euro Cup, in which they finished in fourth place after losing 2-1 to Belgium in the third-place playoff.
The third and most recent Hungary Euro participation came in 2016. Hungary was drawn in the group that had eventual champions Portugal, Iceland, and Austria. Everyone expected Portugal to easily capture the first position, but it was the Hungarians that finished top of the group. They were, however, knocked out of the round of 16 after a 4-0 drubbing by Belgium.
What the Hungarian squad does not have in international superstars, they have in teamwork. The side, in recent history, has played brilliantly as a unit, and has beaten powerhouses. With fans being allowed in the stadium, the Magyarok will look for their unwavering support to push on as far as possible in the Euros.
Hungary does have three key players in the squad who can make a difference. First is Captain Adam Szalai. The attacker has been part of the Hungarian side for years now has brings tons of experience to the plate. Currently, a player for Mainz, Szalai had a season to forget, but the veteran always turns up when he plays for his nation.
His main job, however, would be to lead the group. The second is goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi. The 31-year-old plays for RB Leipzig and is a wonderful shot-stopper. He had a brilliant season and seems to be in top form going into the tournament. Last, but not least, RB Leipzig defender Willi Orban. One of the important reasons behind Leipzig having such a good defensive record last season is Orban. As a defender, he manages to get amongst the goals sometimes as well. He scored four goals and had one assist for Leipzig last season, and will have lot of expectations from the Hungarian supporters ahead of the Euros.
