Budapest, June 5 (BNA): A second-half penalty from Dominic Zuboszlai gave Hungary a shock 1-0 victory over England in the Nations League, their first victory over Gareth Southgate’s side in 60 years.
Looking to get their preparations for the World Cup in Qatar, which begins later this year, surprisingly, England were surprisingly second from the start in Budapest, and were fortunate to enter the break ground, Reuters reported.
The hosts kept coming and putting pressure on Zubuszlai when he returned with a penalty kick in the 66th minute after Chelsea defender Reece James blundered Zolt Nagy – a decision that infuriated England’s players.
England pressed as they searched for the equalizer, but were unable to create that killer opportunity as their Nations League campaign had a disappointing start to the game.
Tests continue with Germany’s next team in the English Premier League, Group C, on Tuesday, while Hungary looks to score five wins in six when it faces European champions Italy.
England defender Conor Coady told Channel 4 News: “We have a huge game coming up on Tuesday, we need to look at that performance and learn from it very quickly.
“I thought we started well. We need to rank up and go back. We need to look at how we’re doing and how we’re moving forward because these are big games for us.”
Hungary was forced to host England “behind closed doors” after both FIFA and UEFA were punished for repeated racist behavior from their fans, but the Hungarian Football Association said last month that children could attend the match at the Puskas Arena.
Under Article 73 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations, children up to 14 years old from schools and/or football academies can be invited to attend a match “behind closed doors” free of charge, provided they are accompanied by an adult, meaning that the stadium can be half Full, mostly with kids.
Some in attendance chose to boo the England players as they dragged their knees in protest of racial injustice before kick-off.
The most underrated team in Nations League A, Group C, Hungary Their young support almost provided something to shout about early on as Cody had to clear the streak after Szoboszlai fired the ball towards goal.
England, who made their debut against West Ham United’s Jarrod Bowen and Leicester City defender James Justin, failed to make any progress in the first half, as Adam Szalay almost scored a superb goal from the midfield.
The visitors improved after the break, seeing substitute Bukayo Saka save well, before Hungary took a deserved lead, but the Portuguese referee’s decision was not good for England.
James seemed to be driving with his arm, which hit Nagy, who got off easily. Szoboszlai’s penalty finish was certain.
England committed to taking more of the lead after falling behind, with Cody peeking a painfully distant header from a free kick.
Otherwise, the hosts were relieved, as they secured their victory, the first of 15 attempts since winning the 1962 World Cup in Chile with ease.