Austria almost made the ideal start when Bayern Munich star David Alaba hit a thunderous shot which crashed off the post inside 30 seconds.
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But Hungary, who scraped into the play-offs before defeating Norway, had other ideas and after being on the back foot for much of the first half, took the lead just after the hour through Szalai’s prodded finish. He then ran into the box and latched onto the return pass before scoring under Austria goalkeeper Robert Almer.
PARIS, June15:Hungarian goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly has become oldest ever player to feature at European championship after appearing for his country’s opening Euro 2016 match against Austria at 40 years and 75 days of age.
“He (Gabor Kiraly) was chosen in goal because he’s a great player”.
The Austrian No.10, Zlatko Junuzovic, also plays for Werder and he, too, caught the eye before suffering one kick too many and limping off.
Portugal dominated proceedings in the first half and deservedly got their reward on 31 minutes through Nani.
And they were made to pay in the second period as goals from Adam Szalai and Zoltan Stieber, either side of Aleksandar Dragovic’s red card, meant for a miserable opener for 10-man Austria.
Austria must start playing at the level they are capable of – and not think a game is won before the ball is even kicked.
The Austrians signalled their intent from the onset when David Alaba unleashed an effort from 20-yards out that crashed against the upright.
Martin Harnik scuffed wide after an exchange of passes with Arnautovic before it was Hungary’s turn to be frustrated when, just before the break, Balazs Dzsudzsak dragged past the post when well placed.
The goals were scored by Adam Szalai in the 62nd minute and Zoltan Stieber in the 87th minute.
Hungary put the game out of sight three minutes from time on the counter attack, with Stieber brilliantly dinking the ball over Almer in the Austria goal to send their fans into raptures.
The result was unexpected with Austria boasting a technically excellent forward line.
The win was a bit of a surprise for Hungary as they came in as small underdogs against Austria.
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It was the Hungarians’ first match in a tournament since 1986 and their first in the finals of the European Championship for 44 years.
