Németh raises Hungary hopes

An early goal from Krisztián Németh gave Hungary victory against fellow debutants Bulgaria in the opening round of matches in UEFA European Under-19 Championship Group A.

One goal decisive
Both teams were making their first U19 finals appearance in Zizkov and both had chances in an entertaining encounter, particularly in an open first half. In the event, however, the only goal arrived in the tenth minute as Németh sprinted clear to score for the sixth time in the competition this season – making him the leading scorer alongside Michalis Pavlis of Greece ahead of their match against Italy – and ensure it was Hungary who would open with a win.

Németh strikes
The players were greeted by a sizeable contingent of Hungarian supporters who offered their favourites vociferous support throughout, although it was the opposition who threatened first as Atanas Tzankov Zehirov had a shot parried by Péter Gulácsi. Seconds later Hungary were ahead, Németh outstripping the Bulgarian defence to race on to a long ball and slot a low left-foot shot beyond Ivan Karadjov and into the far corner of the net. The Liverpool FC striker had several other presentable openings in the first period, twice shooting straight at the Bulgaria No1 when well placed and also curling over from the edge of the area after good work from Vlagyimir Komán, a lively presence throughout.

Bulgaria openings
Bulgaria were by no means outplayed, however, and carved out plenty of openings of their own. Indeed they might have been level eight minutes after Németh's goal as Todor Georgiev caught out the defence with a fine long ball over the top but Momchil Tsvetanov elected to strike it first time and could only guide his volley wide. Gulácsi then produced a remarkable stop to deny Atanas Zehirov with his foot having been sent the wrong way by the striker, and fortune smiled on the Hungary goalkeeper again just past the half-hour as Todor Georgiev struck the crossbar with a thunderous effort from distance.

Missed opportunities
Bulgaria began the second half strongly, with Zehirov, Daniel Dimov and Alexandar Kirov all passing up chances in the first eight minutes after the interval, yet the equaliser would not come for Bulgaria. Hungary regrouped after that shaky period and began to create pressure of their own, although Gulácsi had to keep out Kostadin Gadzhalov's effort from a corner, and held on to take the points ahead of Thursday's meeting with holders Spain, when Bulgaria take on Germany.