MATCH THREAD: Group F - Austria vs Hungary - KO 17:00 (ITV)

[ijjysmith]

vs

Austria's Hungarian-born defender Gyorgy Garics has decided to stay with the squad despite his father's death last Friday.

Coach Marcel Koller is expected to stick with his first-choice team that qualified so impressively.

Hungary goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly is set to become the oldest player to feature at a European Championship finals at 40 years and 75 days.

Centre-forward Krisztian Nemeth is a slight doubt due to a muscle injury.

Austria have been tipped to be the dark horses of Euro 2016 following a stunning qualifying campaign. They finished eight points clear of rivals Russia in Group G and were one of only four undefeated teams.

Their performances have lifted them to the heady heights of 10th in the world rankings, which is a position few would have predicted back in 2008 after the national side suffered a disastrous Euros on home soil.

However, the appointment of Marcel Koller as coach - despite being highly unpopular at the time - has proven a masterstroke. He has forged a distinct playing style and fostered a tight-knit bond among a settled squad that is driven on by the world-class talent of David Alaba in midfield.

Like their neighbours, Hungary have also been in the doldrums, but reached a European Championship finals for the first time since 1972 by squeezing through a play-off against Norway. However, unlike Austria, few give them a chance of qualifying from Group F.

 

[Alan Whittle]

Hungary goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly is set to become the oldest player to feature at a European Championship finals at 40 years and 75 days

Doubtless much tittering about playing in his pyjama bottoms. Very popular with Palace fans. Was a top keeper for us for a couple of seasons. At Reading he saved a penalty only for it to be ordered to be taken again. He promptly saved the retake.

 

[Hungariansupport]

Getting really nervous here. The video of Gera posted by the Baggies was really moving.

Hajrá magyarok!

 

[wm02]

Great to see Hungary back in a major tournament. Wish them well

 

[Ashtonian]

Is this like a rivally game i take it?

An international derby, like us and wales?

 

[Eggs]

....I backed Austria for this tournament some time back because I prefer an interest on a lively outsider. Time to see if I've chucked my couple of quid away.

 

[ijjysmith]

Iain Dowie as co commentator says all ITV think about this game

 

[marsh]

Come on Austria

 

[Mikey_Fitzgerald]

I'm liking both these sides thus far

 

[Mikey_Fitzgerald]

The ITV host needs to not speak so quickly

None of these guys speak English as a first language. They're all contributing good stuff but he's asking them things at 100mph

Slow down and show some consideration for your guests you utter tool

Matthaeus in particular is struggling, despite clearly knowing his onions

 

[Mikey_Fitzgerald]

Hungary aren't bad, but they're missing an end product

 

[ijjysmith]

They were really hungry for that goal.

 

[neil999]

They were really hungry for that goal.

Imagine the jokes we could do if they were playing turkey...endless

 

[polish]

YES!

Well done, Magyars!

 

[Hungariansupport]

YES!

Well done, Magyars!

I wanted Szalai to come off 10 seconds before the goal...