Hungary are located in eastern Europe and were once the powerhouses of football in the 1950's. But since those heights with the great Ferenc Puskas they have struggled to replicate the form. This is however Hungary's third straight EURO's and they will look to go further than before. In 2016, they topped their group which included Iceland and Portugal, before being unfortunately knocked out to Belgium, who were in the middle of Golden generation but had finished second behind Italy. Then in 2020 they were drawn into the group of death with France, Germany and Portugal. Despite the tough group, they picked up 2 points and nearly scraped through.
Hungary have again been given Germany in their group, but are also alongside Scotland and Switzerland. Hungary are not the favourites for the group and many actually expect them to go out. Switzerland have a talented squad and typically do well at major tournaments, and Scotland have been tipped for success by a few.
However Hungary have even more talent, some of which is going under the radar and some other things going for them, which we will get into.
Key Players
The first player, and the standout for Hungary is Dominik Szoboszlai. The Liverpool midfielder is the captain and the star player. Sat at 42 caps and 12 goals, he plays behind the striker in Hungary's unique shape. The creative threat is strong and he will create opportunities for his team-mates, while his ability of striking the ball always poses a threat while he is in the final third. He has had a solid debut season in the Premier League, however he did let his standards drop towards the end of the year. The skipper will still be the key man for years to come, and is already the man.
Another man to watch is also a Premier League player is the young Milos Kerkez. The Bournemouth left-wing back has impressed this season, and is attracting interest from big European clubs including Manchester United. In the Hungarian system Kerkez will be expected to be up and down the left hand-side, providing the attacking width. He is also replacing Loic Nego who has held the left-wing back role for the last couple of tournaments. Kerkez provides a new spark, and when he gets around the outside of the likes of Szoboszlai, the overlap could lead to balls into the box and big chances for Hungary.
While the first two names mentioned have been more obvious, with Premier League quality, the next is a name going under the radar, and someone who I am a massive fan of, and could earn himself a big move with his performances. Barnabas Varga is a 29 year old striker who made his Hungary debut in March 2023. This might not scream a breakout player, however, while playing for Ferencvarosi in Hunagry he has scored 20 league goals in 24 appearances. Over the last three seasons in the Hungarian top flight he has scored 59 goals in in 84 games, for three different teams (A team who got relegated, A midtable side and now the champions). Many will say that is just a small league, but it has also translated onto the international stage, with Varga scoring 6 goals in 11 games for the national side. Varga has the quality and awareness to be a hit in this tournament, and could propel Hungary to a very successful tournament.
Key Factors
Hungary also have a couple of factors going for them in this tournament. The first of this is form. In their last 29 games, Hungary have only lost 5 games, and have only lost once since September 2022. And this isn't just empty form, they have played strong nations and beaten them, including playing England three times, drawing once and beating them the other two times, including an incredible 4-0 win in England. This form shows that while they don't have the talent that some other nations have, they are a very united squad, one which works and pulls together for the benefit of the team, and that gets them results.
They are also incredibly well supported, specifcally by an ultra's group known as the Caparthian Brigade. They are heavily passionate but also controversial. For almost every game, they get behind the goal, and are dressed in a recognisable black. They are loud and distracting for players, with pyro being lit and chants throughout the game. While they are controversial for the views they hold, and chants they sing, they're support will be a massive bonus for the team, and could provide that extra level and bonus, that could make all the difference in an international tournament.
The Run
So, you've heard about the squad, and their form and fans, but a huge part of tournament success is rooted in the draw, and who you are to face and play throughout the tournament. As good as I think Hungary are, it would be a tough ask for them to top the group over Germany in their own back yard. A second place finish would still be solid for the Hungarians though. If they finish second, they will play second from group B, which is the group which contains Spain, Italy and Croatia. All of those nations have weaknesses in their squad's and are not the forces that they once were. All are struggling with injury issues, and all are lacking up front for quality. Hungary have shown that they can mix it with the big teams, and their shape could cause unique problems for any of these teams that finish second. I have them playing Italy in the round of 16, and that is a game they could well take advantage of. If they were to win that tie, that would set-up a quarter final with what is likely to be England. While the three lions are one of the favourites for the tournament, Hungary would be quietly confident going into that game, having shown over the last three fixtures that not only can they compete against England, but they can beat them. That would land them in a semi final if they were to beat whoever they play against, with a big nation. Even if they top their group Hungary would play second out of group C, before playing top out of group B, ending up as a similar route to finishing second, albeit just inverted.
Nothing is garunteed for Hungary, but they definitely have an opportunity to push and to try and make history for their nation. Their first game is against Switzerland on Saturday 15 June.
