Hungary and Iceland will meet early this morning at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille, with both teams looking to build on positive opening results
The Hungarians shocked many in their opener against Austria, comprehensively winning 2-0 with Adam Szalai and substitute Zoltan Stieber finding the back of the net.
Iceland, much like their opponents, were the lesser fancied side in their game against Portugal, frustrating Cristiano Ronaldo and co. in a well-earned 1-1 draw, with Birkir Bjarnason scoring his nation’s first ever goal in a major tournament.
As a result of these surprising results, Group F is wide open, with both sides presented with a great opportunity to progress.
Key Battle – Zoltan Gera vs Gylfi Sigurdsson
Zoltan Gera was superb in Hungary’s defeat of Austria, both with ball at feet and in defence.
While the former West Bromwich Albion and Fulham man is a creative force and the key to creating chances in midfield, he made an impressive seven tackles and three interceptions in defence. At 37, Gera is still key to his side’s success for the remainder of the tournament.
While Gylfi Sigurdsson was perhaps not quite at his best against Portugal, he is still unquestionably his side’s most important player. He arguably should already have a goal to his name following his early chance against the Portuguese, and will enjoy the opportunity for more time on the ball in more attacking positions up the pitch. Hungary will be very nervous if they commit any fouls around the 18-yard box, considering Sigurdsson’s dead ball prowess.
Team News
It is hard to imagine too many changes to either side considering their initial results in the tournament.
Stieber will have pressed his case for a starting berth for the Hungarians, however still may have to settle for another cameo off the bench. Attila Fiola will miss with an ankle injury, however.
The sentimentalists will be hoping for Iceland that Eidur Gudjohnsen will see some playing time, however do not expect him to be starting on the pitch. Alfred Finnbogason was impressive in his substitute appearance, and may also be considered for the starting XI.
Hungary predicted XI: Kiraly; Pinter, Guzmics, Lang, Kadar; Nemeth, Nagy, Kleinheisler, Gera, Dzsudzsak, Szalai
Iceland predicted XI: Halldorsson; Saevarsson, Ragnar Sigurdsson, Arnason, Skulason; Gudmundsson, Gunnarsson, Gylfi Sigurdsson, Bjarnason; Sigthorsson, Bodvarsson,
Head-to-head
Hungary and Iceland have only ever met on six competitive occasions in history. These results have been split three wins apiece.
Previous Meeting
These two nations last met in 2011, with Hungary running out 4-0 winners in a friendly. Iceland, however, are a much better side than in 2011.
Prediction
Both teams will be confident in winning this one on their early form. Iceland in particular will look to play on the counter, however there will be little risk taken by either side. Expect a tight one.
Hungary 1 Iceland 1
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