Hungary beat Norway 1-0 in an unlikely, first-leg win for Bernd Storck’s men thanks to a goal from a debutant and a brilliant performance from a veteran.
On a difficult night for Hungarian football after the shocking news earlier in the day of former goalkeeper Marton Fulop’s death, the two-time World Cup runners-up secured a stunning 1-0 win against Norway. A first-half goal from debutant Laszlo Kleinheisler and a fittingly inspired performance from goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly proved enough to win the first leg of their Euro 2016 playoff on a chilly night in Oslo.
Kleinheisler gave the visitors the lead in the 26th minute, taking a touch to control Hoffenheim striker Adam Szalai’s pass before whipping the ball home for a vital away goal after Norway had created a flurry of chances in a strong opening period.
The Norwegians attacked relentlessly in search of an equaliser but, despite dominating possession, the hosts lacked the guile in attack, and couldn’t find a way past Kiraly on his 100th international cap.
Norway, who could have had two second-half penalties for fouls on Omar Elabdellaoui, saw a late header from Pal Andre Helland come back off the bar. Hungary’s head coach Bernd Storck will have to keep expectations in check ahead of the second leg in Budapest on Sunday.
jh/ (Reuters)
