The controversial and intense match between Hungary and Bulgaria saw the former through to the UEFA Euro 2024 Finals at Germany next year, and Dominik Szoboszlai’s side followed up with a 3-1 victory over Montenegro at their home of Puskás Aréna last night, courtesy of a quick-fire brace and an icing on the cake by the 23-year-old captain himself and midfielder Ádám Nagy. The victory was the undefeated Hungary’s fifth over eight Matchdays in the 2024 UEFA Euro Qualifiers, meaning they have finished their qualifying campaign as the no. 1 team in Group G.
Montenegro’s Early Lead Vanished in the Second Half
The visitors were the team who found the back of the net first in this Matchday 8 clash in Group G, when Andrija Vukčević delivered a ball into the dangerous zone and the home side failed to clear it, allowing Stevan Jovetić to set up Slobodan Rubežić for a header. The 23-year-old centre-back would go on to score his first ever international goal in only two appearances for Montenegro.
However, Montenegro’s joy was short-lived, as Hungary rallied themselves back into the game and mounted a comeback victory in the second 45 minutes. About half an hour after Rubežić’s thumping header, Liverpool new man and Hungary skipper Dominik Szoboszlai levelled things up with his mesmerising solo effort. The 23-year-old decided to take on the entire Montenegro defence by his own from the right wing, passing three defenders before firing a shot to the far post to change the score line.
Moments after his wonderful individual goal, Dominik Szoboszlai helped his country to earn their first lead of the game, this time from the left flank instead. Dominik Szoboszlai started his movement around the halfway line and tore the visiting backline down with his speed. He then played a one-two with Martin Ádám, followed by a shot that beat past Milan Mijatović, completing his brace in less than 100 seconds. Then, 28-year-old Pisa midfielder Ádám Nagy secured Hungary’s 3-1 come-from-behind win over Montenegro in the 90+3rd minute with a second-chance shot from a repelled free kick.
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Dominik Szoboszlai — 10 Goals and Five Assists for Hungary
Dominik Szoboszlai’s emphatic solo performance against Montenegro saw his international tally go up to 10 goals and five assists for his country. Despite being only 23 years of age, the Liverpool midfielder was made Hungary’s captain last year and he has now led his nation to the UEFA Euro 2024 Finals at Germany next summer with a fantastic unbeaten record of five wins and three draws in eight matches in Group G. The Dominik Szoboszlai-inspired 3-1 victory over last night’s opponents made sure that Hungary finish the group as the best team with 18 points out of a possible 24 as well.
Dominik Szoboszlai’s form certainly cannot come for a better than this. Not only did he help his country to a 3-1 win over Montenegro, but the performance will also be crucial for his club at Liverpool, since they are set to face three-time defending English Premier League champions Manchester City this Saturday.
The 23-year-old Dominik Szoboszlai could not hide his jubilant mood during the post-match celebrations with the home fans, and the former FC Liefering, FC Red Bull Salzburg and RB Leipzig player even drank a shot of Pálinka for their third straight successful qualification to the UEFA European Championship as a result.
In Other News: Unpopular Opinion: Lionel Messi Did Not Deserve His Eighth Ballon d’Or in the 2023 Ceremony
Dominik Szoboszlai taking a shot of Hungarian traditional drink, pálinka as he celebrates with the Hungarian team and fans after qualifying for the 2024 European championship.pic.twitter.com/6zW1ZPeJfG
— Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) November 19, 2023
Serbia Joined Hungary in the UEFA Euro 2024 Finals
Also joining Dominik Szoboszlai’s Hungary in Germany next year from Group G are Serbia, who completed their 2024 UEFA Euro Qualifiers with four wins, two draws and two losses in eight Matchdays after their 2-2 draw with Bulgaria last night. The hard-earned qualification meant Serbia will be playing in the UEFA European Championship for the first time since their FR Yugoslavia / Serbia and Montenegro days.
Read here to find out why Germany sacked head coach Hansi Flick less than a year from their home campaign of the UEFA Euro 2024.
