Superb start sets up success against Andorra

2021. szeptember. 09., 11:13 |

Two goals in the first 17 minutes gave Hungary the perfect platform to set up a 2-1 win over Andorra in their latest FIFA 2022 World Cup Qualifier in the Puskás Aréna, but a late goal from the visitors set nerves jangling before victory was secured.

Hungary had lost their previous two World Cup qualifiers in the past week, against England at home and Albania away, so the emphasis on Wednesday evening was very much on getting this campaign back on track.

This was achieved thanks to two early goals - an Ádám Szalai penalty after Roland Sallai had been brought down inside the Albania penalty area, and an Endre Botka downward header from a left-wing short corner eventually swung in by Szabolcs Schön.

However, Hungary's attempts to post a more imposing scoreline were thwarted throughout by a stoic Andorra defence, and that gave the away side the chance to exert some late pressure, especially after Max Llovera had converted a right-wing cross at the back post.

Marco Rossi's team held firm though and are now fourth on 10 points, just two points away from second spot in the group ahead of their next fixture away against England on 9th October.

Hungary 2-1 Andorra (HT: 2-0)
Goalscorers: HUN: Ádám Szalai (8, pen); Botka (17); AND: Llovera (81).

Lineup: Dénes Dibusz; Attila Fiola, Ádám Lang, Attila Szalai, Endre Botka (Márk Tamás, 90); László Kleinheisler (Dominik Szoboszlai, 45), Ádám Nagy (Dániel Gazdag, 64), András Schäfer; Roland Sallai (Dániel Salloi, 45), Ádám Szalai, Szabolcs Schön (Nemanja Nikolic, 73).