Hungary seek victory for last-16 place

17 June 2016 16:23

Iceland, who frustrated Portugal so effectively on Tuesday, also have their eyes set on the knock-out rounds but need to win, ensuring attacking football and, hopefully, goals in Marseille.

Group F, arguably the weakest of all six, has been blown wide open by this pair as Portugal and Austria sweat over their fate.

Portugal and Austria will look on in the hope of a draw, but either Hungary or Iceland could be about to bloody their noses a little more.

Teams

Iceland are expected to name the same side which drew with Portugal, but the midfield pair of Gylfi Sigurdsson and Aron Gunnarsson could be given a more attacking role.

Hungary are expected to make changes, with right-back Attila Fiola an injury doubt after he damaged his ankle against Austria.

Striker Zoltan Stieber could come into the team after his goal against the Austrians, if coach Bernd Storck opts for a more attacking game plan.

Veteran midfielder Zoltan Gera, 37, is expected to play his second game in four days.

Ones to watch

Iceland: Gylfi Sigurdsson

Sigurdsson has admitted the Scandinavians are looking to confirm their place in the next round at the earliest opportunity, which could mean a less restricted role for the attacking midfielder.

The Swansea City man was limited by defensive duties against Portugal but, as they fancy their chances against Hungary, he is set for a starring role.

Hungary sat back and invited Austria onto them, and Sigurdsson will relish that freedom to push forward.

"It's great to see that we're good enough for this level. It's great to get a point from this first game," he said.

"Now there are two games left – one win will probably be enough to advance, but we want to finish it as soon as possible and win the next game to make sure of it."

Hungary: Adam Szalai

After netting his first international goal since October 2014, and his first of the season after a barren year for his clubs, Adam Szalai could hold the key for Hungary.

The Hoffenheim striker took his chance well against Austria and may add a cutting edge up front that few thought they had.

Hungary have a reputation of being defensive, but they should come out and attack an Iceland side they will think they should beat and try and guarantee their passage into the next round.

"You can see how they (Hungary) are progressing as a squad and a team," Iceland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson said.

"They are a really compact and solid team, known for their defensive side of the game, but against Austria you could see how strong they are in attack. All praise goes to Bernd Storck and the coaching team."

Head to head record:

Iceland have won three times against Hungary, but they have lost each of their last five and seven of the 10 overall games.

The sides last met in a friendly five years ago, which Hungary won 4-0.

Did you know?

Adam Szalai's goal against Austria was Hungary's first in the European Championships since Lajos Ku netted against Belgium in the third-placed play-off in 1972.

Sportsbeat 2016

Source: Sportsbeat