Hungary end 30-year wait for place at major finals
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ByEurosport
Updated 15/11/2015 at 22:54 GMT
Euro 2016 qualifying play-off, Groupama Arena, Budapest: Hungary 2 (Priskin 14, Henriksen og 83) Norway 1 (Henriksen 87).
Gabor Kiraly reacts after Hungary's second goal. REUTERS/Laszlo Balogh
Image credit: Reuters
Hungary secured their place in Euro 2016 by beating Norway, ending a 30-year wait for a major tournament qualification.
A terrific first-half strike from Tamas Priskin would have deserved to win any game, with the shot curling in beautifully to take Hungary into the lead.
They doubled their advantage in the last ten minutes after a corner finally pinballed in off the unfortunate Markus Henriksen, who was given the unwanted credit for the final touch.
Henriksen caused a few nerves for Hungary in the last three minutes, clawing a goal back.
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Players of Norway and Hungary and fans take part in a minute of silence. REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo
Image credit: Reuters
It was only a consolation, though, and Hungary have - finally - sealed their place in the European Championship finals
KEY MOMENTS
13' GOAL! They sure can. Another powerful run from Priskin, rounded off with a marvellous curling strike into the net. That's some excellent centre-forward play from Priskin. Strong and smart, creating his own room.
58' CHANCE! A great run from Dzsudzsak, cutting inside and deflecting on to the bar and out...for a throw to Norway. The Hungarian fans are not amused.
71' CLOSE! Dzsudzsak has another good shot, forcing the keeper to dive low and palm that around the post.
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Hungary's Tamas Priskin scores a goal. REUTERS/Laszlo Balogh
Image credit: Reuters
76' CHANCE! Tettey mishits his shot but it falls to Pedersen in front of goal - great reaction save from Kiraly.
83' GOAL! And that's it wrapped up! Kiraly takes off with arms outstretched like an aeroplane in celebration - the ball has pinballed into the net from a corner. Obviously not an ideal corner, but at least effective.
87' GOAL! But surely too little too late from Henriksen, who strikes a bobbling ball with aplomb past Kiraly.
STATISTICS
Only once has a team qualified for the European Championships after losing the first leg of their play-off. That was the Netherlands, who won 6-0 against Scotland after losing in Glasgow.
Hungary have reached their first major tournament since the 1986 World Cup.
Hungary have not reached a European Championship finals since Belgium hosted in 1972.
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Hungary's players celebrate their score againts Norway during the Euro 2016 play-off football match between Norway and Hungary at the Grupama Arena in Budapest on November 15, 2015
Image credit: AFP
Norway have not qualified for a major tournament since 2000.
TALKING POINT
So after an efficient display across the two legs, which Norway largely dominated in terms of possession, how well can Hungary do next year? Are the play-offs simply providing fodder to eliminate quickly before the serious business of the final stages? Or can these teams manage to surprise some of the bigger fish?
MAN OF THE MATCH
Balazs Dzsudzsak (Hungary). Led by example with some committed and impressive attacking play.
RATINGS
Hungary: Kiraly 7, Lang 7, Kadar 7, Fiola 7, Guzmics, Elek 7, Dzsudzsak 8, A Nagy 7, Kleinheisler 7, Lovrencsics 7, Priskin 7. Subs: Bogdan, Megyeri, Vanczak, Bosnjak, Pinter 7, Leandro, Juhasz, Stieber, Szalai, Nemeth 7, Bode 7, Nikolic.
Norway: Nyland 6, Elabdellaoui 7, Hovland 6, Forren 6, Aleesami 7, Skjelbred 6, Tettey 7, Johansen 6, Elyounoussi 6, Odegaard 6, Henriksen. Subs: Jarstein, André Hansen, Hogli, Strandberg, Linnes, Nordtveit, Berisha, Selnæs, Pedersen 6, Søderlund, Berget 7, Helland 7.
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