Solid win revives Hungary hopes

Hungary revived their hopes of reaching the UEFA European Under-19 Championship for the second time in three seasons with a fine win against Romania in Tatabanya.

Beaten by Greece in the opening round of Group 2 games on Monday, Gabor Szapor's side made the perfect start as they took the lead in the ninth minute, Krisztián Simon prodding in from close range after George Bucuroiu had only parried Máté Skriba's shot. The roles were reversed midway through the half, Simon setting up Skriba with an unselfish square pass, but from five metres out the forward's shot was blocked by Bucuroiu's outstretched leg.

The goalkeeper denied Skriba again before the half-hour, although it was Romania who enjoyed the better of the second period, Aurelian Chitu and Marius Tucudean going close. Hungary's victory was finally secured seven minutes from time when Simon cut in from the left and drilled a low shot inside Bucuroiu's near post. Skriba added a third from the penalty spot two minutes into added time, scoring with a powerful shot after he had been brought down by Codrut Cioranu.

Hungary therefore have three points, one behind joint leaders Portugal and Greece, and must beat Portugal on Saturday to have any chance of reaching this summer's finals in France. Romania will take on Greece still searching for their first points of the elite round.