International Friendly Preview: Hungary -v- Republic of Ireland

• Seán O'Connor
• Mon, Jun 07 2021




HUNGARY

The Republic of Ireland has had mixed fortunes against the Hungarians in the past. Ireland have won just twice in 11 past meetings, with five draws and four losses. 

The Boys in Green first met Hungary in 1934, losing 4-2 in a friendly. However, Ireland are unbeaten in their last four against Tuesday’s opponents. Jack Charlton’s side took four points from Hungary on the way to qualifying for Italia 90. The sides last met in a warmup friendly before Euro 2012, drawing 0-0 in Budapest.

This is Hungary’s last game before they begin their Euro 2020 campaign. The hosts qualified for this summer's tournament in dramatic fashion against Iceland last November. Iceland were 1-0 up in the dying minutes before Loic Nego equalised on 88 minutes.

The play-off looked set for extra time before Dominik Szoboszlai curled in a 93^rdminute winner. Euro 2020 will be Hungary’s fourth appearance at a European Championships.

Last March, the hosts drew with Poland before comfortably beating San Marino and Andorra. A first half Andras Schafer strike proved enough as they overcame Cyprus last Friday.

Hungary’s main threats will come from RB Leipzig midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai, tipped to be Hungary’s brightest prospect in decades. 

Euro 2020 Profile: Hungary https://t.co/5OXqX8rR0upic.twitter.com/MBdXPjuI58

— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) June 6, 2021

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

Stephen Kenny finally earned his first win as Ireland senior manager when his side beat Andorra 4-1 last Thursday. 

A frustrating opening 45 minutes soon turned into embarrassment when Marc Iles’ 52nd minute header sent alarm bells ringing for Kenny. After a weeklong training camp, Kenny’s first extended, covid-free period with the squad, the manner of how the goal was conceded raised questions as to whether Kenny’s message is really getting through to his team.

All it took was a set piece when Ireland appeared totally switched off and the 158th ranked hosts were a goal up.

Ireland’s performance was crying out for someone to grab the game by the scruff of the neck and say ‘screw this’. Troy Parrott was that man. The former Belvedere striker scored his first two international goals in the space of three minutes, as panic turned to relief on the Irish bench.

Ronan Curtis missed a glaring chance to put the game to bed before late strikes from Daryl Horgan and Jason Knight (both also scoring their first Ireland goals) did just that. 

Tuesday’s match will be in front of spectators at the Szusza Ferenc stadium in Budapest, something that Kenny has yet to experience at senior international level. Seamus Coleman returned home after the Andorra game, after the skipper failed to recover from a hamstring issue and John Egan is set to continue as stand in skipper. 

Kenny has a full squad to choose from otherwise, with Norwich’s Andrew Omobamidele and Caoimhin Kelleher tipped to make their international debuts. Daryl Horgan, Adam Idah and Jamie McGrath will also be hoping to start, after impressing off the bench last Thursday. 

Looking ahead to Tuesday, Kenny speaking at the press match zoom press conference “I'm expecting a tough match against the Hungarians, they're participating in the European Championships, it will be a great test for us.

“We're not in a position to make wholesale changes because we want a degree of continuity, but there will be some changes alright in the team.

"We've got to look to build on the result against Andorra. That was a game we were expected to win so now we face a different proposition so we must rise to the occasion."

Ireland centre-back John Egan, who captained the side against Andorra said, “obviously, with no disrespect, we expect to be beating Andorra. We did that and now we're coming up against a real kind of, I suppose, established outfit in Hungary”.

"They've been playing together for a while and they've obviously qualified for a major tournament, so it's going to be a tougher game.”

“But you know, we're confident. We've been enjoying training and there has been probably a bit of a relief and a bit of a smile on people's faces after the win.”

"Hopefully, we can take that in now to the game tomorrow night and hopefully we can play as well as we can and get a result.”

Stephen Kenny: 'It is terrific to be going into the game with supporters. The sense of passion around the stadium is so important to the players – they feed off it.' https://t.co/25RAHBBkCrpic.twitter.com/RPfeugojaT

— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) June 7, 2021

Referee: Daniel Stefa?ski (Poland)

MATCH STATS

Ireland are unbeaten in their last four meetings against Hungary.

Tuesday’s game will be the first time Ireland has played in front of spectators since November 2019. 

Hungary have scored 13 times in their last five games, compared to Ireland’s 7.

BETTING

Hungary 7/5; Draw 15/8; Ireland 2/1.

PREDICTION

Hungary 1 - 1 Republic of Ireland 

Hungary

Injured: N/A

Doubtful: N/A

Suspended: N/A

Republic of Ireland:

Injured: Seamus Coleman, Sam Szmodics. 

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

John Egan on captaining Ireland: ‘It is the pinnacle really’ https://t.co/5xeRJw8ctopic.twitter.com/8XYgp6YHu8

— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) June 7, 2021