Hungary’s women in eventful draw with Mexico

Prior to the match in Cyprus, Hungary and Mexico had only met on one previous occasion; in 2013 at the Algarve Cup in Portugal with Mexico running out 1-0 winners. Mexico currently sit 27th in the FIFA rankings, Hungary 43rd. Before kick-off, Haladás-Viktória player Zsófia Rácz was presented with a plaque commemorating her winning her 100th cap for Hungary, by Hungary head coach Edina Markó and Hungarian Football Federation Women’s Committee member Judit Berkesi.

Edina Markó’s team got off to a great start, taking the lead in the 15th minute after Henrietta Csiszár broke free on the left before centering for Dóra Zeller to blast the ball high into the net from close-range. Hungary could have doubled their lead moments later, Csiszár finding Zsanett Jakabfi inside the box but her shot going just past the post.

Chances continued to come, but it was Mexico who drew next blood, having their first shot on goal in the 25th minute and then equalising four minutes later with Charlyn Corral the scorer from the penalty spot. Réka Szőcs prevented Mexico from going ahead just before the break, Dóra Zeller coming close at the other end, but the teams went in level 1-1 at half-time.

Evelin Fenyvesi had the chance to put Hungary back ahead early in the second half, but failed to connect, and by the 55th minute, Mexico were ahead. There seemed little danger when Hungary lost the ball in the Mexico half, but Adriana Iturbe finished off the move to put Mexico 2-1 up.

Anna Csiki found the impressive Zeller with a wonderful pass almost immediately, but she was foiled by resolute Mexican defending, and the Hoffenheim forward came close moments later but just failed to find the target.

Hungary, though, would turn the game on its head with two goals in three minutes. First, Jakabfi headed home in the 82nd minute following a Csiki free kick, and then in the 84th her blocked shot fell kindly for Loretta Németh who made no mistake to put her side 3-2 ahead. Hungarian joy was short-lived though, Mexico equalising through Corral in the 90th minute, her second of the match.

“It was a topsy-turvy match. We began well, scored a goal, and could have decided the match but were unable to. Our opponents came back strongly and with about half and our gone we lost our way a little. We gave our all in the second half to win the match. We played well against a good team but conceding in the last minute means we only get a point” said Hungary head coach Edina Markó afterwards. “We’ve been together for a week now, we’ve had three training sessions and played matches against strong opponents. This group has a lot to offer, and I’m certain that this will be paired with results”, she added.

Hungary play against Slovakia – who they will also face in the Euro Qualifiers in the autumn – in a Wednesday morning play-off in their final match at the Cyprus Cup

Mexico 3-3 Hungary (HT: 1–1)
Goalscorers: MEX: Charlyn Corral (29’, 90’), Adriana Iturbide (55’); HUN: Dóra Zeller (15’), Zsanett Jakabfi (82’), Loretta Németh (84’)

Hungary: Réka Szőcs – Alexandra Tóth (Barbara Tóth, 46’), Lilla Turányi, Viktória Szabó, Anna Csiki – Henrietta Csiszár (Zsanett Kaján, 92’), Zsófia Rácz (Diána Csányi, 75’), Evelin Fenyvesi – Jakabfi Zsanett, Fanni Vágó (Loretta Németh, 80’), Zeller Dóra