TOPS
Opposed to Bulgaria in Group G, Hungary probably had to make its supporters stressed. To qualify for Euro 2024, Szoboszlai’s teammates had to at least obtain a draw point. Something that was not easy this evening, against a Bulgarian team who believed they could win. However, the Hungarians scored first and undoubtedly thought they were making the evening easy (goal from Adam, 10th). But the locals first equalized (24th) before Despodov thought about creating a surprise by putting his team in front (78th).
For 19 minutes, and in a match marked by two red cards (one on each side), the Bulgarians led, resisting the opposing attacks. But in the 97th minute, on a free kick obtained and taken by captain Szoboszlai, the Hungarians finally equalized (2-2). The unfortunate Petkov conceded an own goal, to the delight of the Hungarians who exploded with joy. They will therefore compete, at a minimum, in the group stages of Euro 2024.
In a match where Georgia also believed for a long time to win, one man stood out. Opposed to Scotland and having nothing left to play in this group A, the Georgians were able to count on a Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in great form. The Neapolitan star, recently seventeenth in the Ballon d’Or, put in a great performance, scoring a double for his team. Associated with former Messin Mikautadze, in attack, the Georgian winger put the Scottish defenders through an ordeal. First on his first goal, where he sent the ball into the back of the net with a furious tackle. But especially on the second, where his left hook shot sequence left the opposing goalkeeper no chance. A performance which was not enough to win his team, in a match which ended with a score of two all.
FLOPS
This Spanish team was nevertheless attractive on paper. Between new faces, like the full-back Grimaldo, old hands like Joselu, or even young prodigies like Yamal, La Roja seemed capable of giving the Cypriot team a nightmare. And if this was the case during the first 30 minutes which resulted in a score of 3 to 0, the rest of the match was a scenario seen again and again for the 2010 world champion. Monopolizing the ball (76% possession ), Luis de la Fuente’s men failed to keep him alive, subsequently providing themselves with very few opportunities. It was even the Cypriots who were the most prominent, even reducing the gap in the 75th minute. A simple warning for La Roja who won and finished first in their group, but who we hope to see more dashing in Germany next summer.
The Swedish selection is not going through an easy period. Already assured of not playing in Euro 2024, Kulusevski’s teammates (Tottenham) sadly lost to Azerbaijan (3-0). Yet displaying several of his stars on the pitch, coach Janne Andersson, already assured of leaving his post at the end of the qualifiers, saw his men sink. They even saw their opponents score the goal of the evening, with a 45-meter strike from Makhmudov. This after they beat Azerbaijan 5-0 in the first confrontation in Sweden…