Rossi Knows Partial Victory Isn’t Enough as World Cup Qualification Awaits November Decision
Marco Rossi, the Hungarian national team coach, expressed pride in his team’s performance after a 2-2 draw against Portugal in Lisbon. This match was part of the World Cup qualifying rounds. Despite this commendable outcome, Rossi emphasized that the final two matches will determine Hungary’s chances for a playoff spot.
Rossi Highlights Importance of Final Matches
Rossi acknowledged the significance of the upcoming matches, stating, “I am very proud of the boys, but this does not change anything for the future. The last two games will decide if we qualify for the playoffs.” He noted that Portugal cannot rest its top players in the remaining fixtures, which could impact the results.
Reflecting on Past Performances
Rossi reminded fans of a previous match where Portugal lost despite being favorites. He recalled that a draw would have been enough for Hungary to progress, showcasing the unpredictability of football. “Such events happen rarely, but they occur,” he said about Portugal’s earlier performance.
Player Contributions and Team Dynamics
The coach praised Attila Szalai for his excellent play and goal, recalling criticism regarding his selection during a challenging phase in his career. Rossi believes that sticking with Szalai was a wise decision, as veteran players were crucial to their recent success.
- Player contributions highlighted:
- Attila Szalai: Key goal scorer, overcame past criticism.
- Dániel Lukács: Assisted in the late stages of the match.
Rossi emphasized that while securing three points every match is unrealistic, maintaining dignity and pride is essential. “We can hold our heads high after this away draw against one of the world’s top five teams,” he noted. Despite the draw, Rossi maintained that it was a fair result, even though Portugal dominated possession.
Upcoming Matches
Looking ahead, Hungary is in a strong position, currently aiming for the playoff spot. They will face Armenia, the group’s bottom team, on November 13. This match is crucial for their World Cup qualification hopes.
Roberto Martínez, the coach of Portugal, acknowledged Hungary’s solid counter-attacking abilities and commended their performance. He pointed out that an early goal can significantly influence match outcomes, and emphasized the importance of closing games out, as failing to do so could lead to unexpected results.
