By Habeeb Akinfegbe
In group F, the first set of group matches were concluded when Portugal drew Iceland and Hungary got the better of Austria. Austria-Hungary is the second most played international fixture after Argentina-Uruguay, and the countries’ 137th meeting on Tuesday was the first to be held within the confines of a UEFA European Championship. During an encounter that burst into life in the second half, the Hungarians picked up their 67th win (2-0) in the long rivalry, a result that propels them to top spot in Group F. A little later in the evening, Portugal had to content themselves with a share of the points versus a spirited Iceland, who were making their debut in the continental competition.
Unbeaten in their qualifying campaign (nine wins and one draw), Austria were many football fans’ pick to emerge as a dark horse at UEFA EURO 2016, and when Bayern Munich defender David Alaba, who tends to move up to midfield when performing in Austrian colours, struck the post in the second minute, it seemed as if the game would be sticking to that script. But instead of accepting this scenario, Hungary managed to overcome the odds in the second half, after Gabor Kirali had kept them in it in the first period with fine saves from Alaba (10th minute) and Zltako Junuzovic (43rd minute). Bernd Storck’s men took the lead in the 62nd minute through Adam Szalai, who got on the end of a through ball from Laszlo Kleinheisler and stabbed it home. After Austria’s Aleksandar Dragovic was sent off for a second yellow card, the Magyars took advantage of their numerical superiority to seal the three points via an effective counter-attack, Zoltan Stieber adroitly chipping the ball over the advancing goalkeeper three minutes from time.
Hungary sit on top of Group F due to Iceland’s draw with favourites Portugal, who despite dominating the first half and breaking the deadlock through a 32nd-minute Nani strike, could not find a second goal that would have put the match to bed. Subsequently, the resilient Icelanders, who had posed little threat up to then, dragged themselves back into the match five minutes into the second half, Birkir Bjarnason – curiously left unmarked in the box – slotting the ball into the net for 1-1. The tournament newcomers held on for a valiant point, which their fans celebrated just like a victory upon hearing the final whistle.
At 40 years and 74 days old, Gabor Kiraly became the oldest player to represent his country in a European Championship match on Tuesday. The shot-stopper and his legendary grey tracksuit bottoms have been a comforting presence between the sticks for Hungary fans since 25 March 1998, when he made his international debut against today’s opponents, Austria.
Today's actions sees two groups dishing out football entertainment in three matches; Group B
Russia-Slovakia (2 pm) Group A Romania-Switzerland (5 pm) France-Albania (8 pm) - all Nigerian time. As regards the goal chart, no player has made any headway as 21 players are now tied on 1 goal each.
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Twitter: @bizarre_comms
Facebook: Bizarre Communications
Email: bizarrecommunications@gmail.com
In group F, the first set of group matches were concluded when Portugal drew Iceland and Hungary got the better of Austria. Austria-Hungary is the second most played international fixture after Argentina-Uruguay, and the countries’ 137th meeting on Tuesday was the first to be held within the confines of a UEFA European Championship. During an encounter that burst into life in the second half, the Hungarians picked up their 67th win (2-0) in the long rivalry, a result that propels them to top spot in Group F. A little later in the evening, Portugal had to content themselves with a share of the points versus a spirited Iceland, who were making their debut in the continental competition.
Unbeaten in their qualifying campaign (nine wins and one draw), Austria were many football fans’ pick to emerge as a dark horse at UEFA EURO 2016, and when Bayern Munich defender David Alaba, who tends to move up to midfield when performing in Austrian colours, struck the post in the second minute, it seemed as if the game would be sticking to that script. But instead of accepting this scenario, Hungary managed to overcome the odds in the second half, after Gabor Kirali had kept them in it in the first period with fine saves from Alaba (10th minute) and Zltako Junuzovic (43rd minute). Bernd Storck’s men took the lead in the 62nd minute through Adam Szalai, who got on the end of a through ball from Laszlo Kleinheisler and stabbed it home. After Austria’s Aleksandar Dragovic was sent off for a second yellow card, the Magyars took advantage of their numerical superiority to seal the three points via an effective counter-attack, Zoltan Stieber adroitly chipping the ball over the advancing goalkeeper three minutes from time.
Hungary sit on top of Group F due to Iceland’s draw with favourites Portugal, who despite dominating the first half and breaking the deadlock through a 32nd-minute Nani strike, could not find a second goal that would have put the match to bed. Subsequently, the resilient Icelanders, who had posed little threat up to then, dragged themselves back into the match five minutes into the second half, Birkir Bjarnason – curiously left unmarked in the box – slotting the ball into the net for 1-1. The tournament newcomers held on for a valiant point, which their fans celebrated just like a victory upon hearing the final whistle.
At 40 years and 74 days old, Gabor Kiraly became the oldest player to represent his country in a European Championship match on Tuesday. The shot-stopper and his legendary grey tracksuit bottoms have been a comforting presence between the sticks for Hungary fans since 25 March 1998, when he made his international debut against today’s opponents, Austria.
Today's actions sees two groups dishing out football entertainment in three matches; Group B
Russia-Slovakia (2 pm) Group A Romania-Switzerland (5 pm) France-Albania (8 pm) - all Nigerian time. As regards the goal chart, no player has made any headway as 21 players are now tied on 1 goal each.
FOLLOW US
Twitter: @bizarre_comms
Facebook: Bizarre Communications
Email: bizarrecommunications@gmail.com
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