Norway vs. Hungary: Winners and Losers from Euro 2016 Playoff
Laszlo Kleinheisler scored on his senior international debut as Hungary inched closer to UEFA Euro 2016 by beating Norway 1-0 on Thursday night in the first leg of their playoff tie in Oslo.
The hosts dominated 83 percent of possession and outshot Hungary 23-7 (h/t ESPN FC), but the visitors scored the game's only goal, through 21-year-old Kleinheisler in the 26th minute. Norway had plenty of chances, but they will regret several near-misses—especially Per Ciljan Skjelbred's third-minute shot, which Gabor Kiraly tipped over the bar.
Substitute Pal Andre Helland also came close for Norway in the 88th minute, but his header hit the crossbar.
The second leg is scheduled for Sunday in Budapest. Hungary will carry a crucial away goal into that game, needing only a draw to advance to Euro 2016.
Here, B/R selects winners and losers from Thursday's match.
Winner: Laszlo Kleinheisler
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Laszlo Kleinheisler marked his senior international debut with an eye-catching goal and a strong overall performance.
The 21-year-old scored the game's only goal in the 26th minute, controlling expertly inside the box before firing a dipping shot into the net off Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland's hand. Admittedly, the strike owed something to a miscue by Nyland, but Kleinheisler showed great control and composure in the box.
It was a theme throughout his time on the pitch. Earlier in the first half, Kleinheisler forced Nyland into a save with a similar shot from a tight angle on the right. The key to both chances was the Hungarian's excellent first touch, which allowed him time to pick his next course of action.
Near the end of the first half, Kleinheisler also set up another scoring chance for Hungary with a good cross from the right. In the first 45 minutes, he was central to all of Hungary's best attacks.
Loser: Norway Taking Their Chances
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Norway should have been able to win this game. As noted in the introduction, the hosts held an astonishing 83 percent of possession and fired in 23 shots. And yet Hungary scored the game's only goal.
The difference was in the way the two teams took their chances. Hungary scored with one of only four shots on target. Norway couldn't finish any of the eight they sent on frame. In the third minute, Per Ciljan Skjelbred ought to have scored after latching onto a pass in the box, but he couldn't beat Gabor Kiraly with his shot. If he'd picked out either corner, he surely would have scored.
Then, in the 88th minute, a rebound fell kindly to Pal Andre Helland, who could only head onto the crossbar from close range. It was a tough chance, but at this level, Helland should have buried it.
But it wasn't just that. Norway also won 16 corners—and none resulted in a goal. In fact, most failed to clear the first man defending Hungary's box.
In addition, the hosts were plagued by poor decision-making at times in the final third, often shooting instead of playing what would have been a killer final pass.
With more composure in the attack, Norway could have won comfortably.
Winner: Gabor Kiraly
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With Thursday's appearance, goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly became the second player to reach 100 caps for Hungary. Per Infostrada Sports, he trails record-holder Jozsef Bozsik by just one cap.
That's not all. On the night he became a centurion, Kiraly recorded a clean sheet to put his side within touching distance of Euro 2016.
Not bad for a 39-year-old in sweatpants.
Loser: Zoltan Gera
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At age 36, Zoltan Gera is a veteran and leader for Hungary. But on Thursday, he let his side down with a foolish booking that will keep him out of Sunday's second leg.
In the 23rd minute, Gera fouled Alexander Tettey from behind to draw a deserved yellow card from referee Mark Clattenburg. It was a silly foul. Gera really should have known better, especially since he was only one booking away from suspension.
Loser: Orjan Nyland
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Laszlo Kleinheisler will (and should) receive credit for his goal on Thursday, but Orjan Nyland will be disappointed with himself for his role in the sequence.
When Kleinheisler controlled the ball on Hungary's right flank, Nyland started moving to his left, toward the near post. So when Kleinheisler shot toward the opposite post, Nyland was out of position to make the save.
As a result, Nyland was only able to touch the ball on its way into the net. Sure, Kleinheisler struck the ball well, causing it to dip and swerve, but an international-level goalkeeper will expect to make that save 99 times out of 100.
Unfortunately for Norway, that one small mistake might mean the difference between qualifying for Euro 2016 and missing out.
