Hungary 1-1 France: Elite Goalkeeping by Gulasci2 min read

Hungary took on France at the Puskás Arena in Budapest for their second game of the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament.

After an underwhelming opener for the visitors, France were hoping for an easy win to qualify to the next stages of the tournament.

The game started with Les Bleus being aggressive on the front foot. There was an early injury scare for Hungary as Presnel Kimpembe accidentally collided with Endre Botka during a set piece. Eventually the Budapest native carried on playing after receiving treatment for his head.

Karim Benzema delivered a low shot from a distance just under the 15-minute mark, only for Peter Gulacsi to save it. The Hungarian goalie showed some outstanding form early on as he managed to save the rebound shot from Antoine Griezmann as well.

Lucas Hernandez was the only player changed from last week’s line up for France as Everton’s Lucas Digne replaced him. The 27-year-old fullback created the first solid chance for the visitors after providing a cross from the flank for Kylian Mbappe. Unfortunately, Mbappe’s header attempt went wide of the far post.

A few minutes later, Mbappe had the chance to redeem himself following a potent cross from Benzema but the ball had too much on it for the 22-year-old to convert.

Just in the half-hour mark, and unmarked Benzema had a clear chance to make the break after Mbappe flick the ball towards him but he blasted the ball wide of the near post.

Due to a couple of injury concerns from the hosts, the officials added five minutes of extra time. This gave Hungary the chance to punish France in the 47^th minute.

Fehérvár full-back Attila Fiola scored a low shot past Hugo Lloris as the home fans erupted in the stadium. This is only Fiola’s second goal for his country and what a time to get it.

The first half ended 1-0 to Hungary who were looking for their first win in the tournament.

Second Half

The pressure increased in the second half as France were showing no mercy to the hosts. The only player that was stopping Les Bleus from getting their much-needed equaliser was Gulasci between the sticks.

In the 66^th minute, France finally got their equaliser from a fast-pace counter attack. Lloris gathered the ball quickly from a Hungary set piece and hooved the ball upfield for Mbappe to take.

The PSG forward then cut the ball back in Hungary’s box to meet the feet of Griezmann after a failed clearance by Orban.

Throughout the remainder of the match, France were looking to break the lock but couldn’t because of an in-form Gulasci making the perfect saves.

A penalty scare for Hungary in the dying embers of the game didn’t stop them from getting their first point of the tournament.

The game ended 1-1 with another disappointed performance for the world champions.

 

Source of Image: UEFA EURO 2020 via Twitter