Hungary Versus Republic of Ireland. International Friendly.

Ireland are playing away to Hungary in the Szusza Ferenc Stadium in Budapest, tonight at 8:00 pm. Ireland have had a poor 2020s so far.

Hungary have been drawn in the Group F or Group of Death being drawn against France, Portugal and Germany, three teams the could win the Euro 2020 tournament. It is likely that Hungary will lose all three of their group games with a heavy goal difference against.

Hungary finished in fourth spot in their qualifying group behind Croatia, Wales, and Slovakia. Hungary then won the play off competition against Bulgaria and in the final against Iceland

The fact that Hungary could qualify for the Euros being fourth in their qualifying group shows everything wrong with the 24 team format. During the days of the European Championships having sixteen teams, there was a feeling of quality control and that all the teams that had qualified for the competition were good enough for the tournament.

Ireland have got their first win of the 2020s against Andorra (Disclaimer. Andorra are rubbish). Most of Ireland’s matches during that winless streak have been against teams around the level of Hungary (Bulgaria, Finland, Slovakia, Serbia, Qatar). So a draw would probably be a good result for Ireland

Verdict: A draw or 1-0 win for Hungary. Hungary as they are playing in a major tournament have more to play for then Ireland, so that could shade it for Hungary.

(C). Ferdia O’Mahony 2021.