Content Hungarians after the match against the Netherlands: 'We would have signed up for this beforehand'

The Hungarian camp reacted positively after the draw against the Dutch national team. Liverpool star Dominik Szoboszlai enjoyed the Nations League match. Roland Sallai, who has often troubled the Netherlands, was also satisfied.

SoccerDino, Website Writer
Published: 12:00, 12 Oct 2024

"It was a real team performance today," Roland Sallai told M4 Sport after Hungary's impressive draw against the Netherlands in the Nations League.

The forward, who has often been a thorn in the side of top European teams, opened the scoring with a well-executed finish following a beautiful attack. His goal set the tone for a resilient Hungarian performance against a Dutch side full of star talent. Sallai emphasized how much this result meant to the team. "We would have signed up for this result beforehand," he admitted. "We worked hard, and after a difficult period where things weren’t going our way, we’ve finally found the right path again."

Sallai reflected on the game plan, acknowledging that Hungary knew they would have to rely on counterattacks to make an impact. "We knew going into the match that we wouldn’t get many chances, so we had to capitalize on the few moments that came our way," he explained. "That’s exactly what we did, and overall, everyone in Hungary can be proud of this performance." His words resonated with a sense of national pride, as Hungary, often seen as underdogs, managed to hold their own against one of the strongest teams in Europe.

Dominik Szoboszlai, the 23-year-old Hungarian captain and key player for Liverpool, was another standout figure in the match. As one of the driving forces in midfield, Szoboszlai's performance was full of energy and leadership. After the game, he shared his thoughts, focusing on the team's mentality and their fighting spirit. "We wanted to show our fighting spirit," Szoboszlai said during his post-match interview. Known for his leadership qualities, Szoboszlai played a crucial role in keeping his team motivated. As a club teammate of Dutch stars Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, and Ryan Gravenberch at Liverpool, Szoboszlai understands the level of quality that the Netherlands brings to the pitch.

"We showed that we could fight for each other out there," he continued. "I told the rest of the team in the locker room before the game that while the Netherlands may have more quality on paper, we had to want it more. That hunger and determination were key, and it showed on the field." His leadership was instrumental in helping Hungary remain composed and disciplined, especially during key moments when the Netherlands applied heavy pressure.

Szoboszlai also touched on Hungary's ability to learn from past setbacks, particularly their heavy 5-0 defeat to Germany in a previous Nations League match. "Let there be no doubt that we’ve learned from the loss to Germany," Szoboszlai said. "That was a tough game for us, but we didn’t let it break us. Instead, we fought, fought, and fought again. We’ve always had belief in ourselves, but after a performance like this, our confidence has really grown."

Looking forward, Szoboszlai highlighted the importance of building on this result and using it as a foundation for further success. "Now we need to start making a difference up front as well," he said, alluding to the fact that while Hungary’s defensive effort was commendable, there is still room for improvement in their attacking play. "If we can continue to fight like this and take advantage of our opportunities, there’s no reason why we can’t keep progressing."

For Hungary, this result was more than just a point in the Nations League standings it was a sign of progress and a statement of intent. The draw against the Netherlands, combined with their hard-fought mentality, has reinvigorated belief within the team and among Hungarian supporters. Hungary's ability to compete with top-tier European teams has been a testament to their resilience and growing quality on the international stage. As the squad continues to evolve, players like Szoboszlai and Sallai will undoubtedly be central to Hungary’s ambitions of achieving even greater heights.

The team’s recent performances suggest that they are capable of competing against the best, but Szoboszlai and Sallai know that consistency will be crucial. The match against the Netherlands provided a glimpse of what Hungary can achieve when their players are united, focused, and willing to fight for each other. This newfound confidence will be key as Hungary looks ahead to future challenges in the Nations League and beyond.

For now, though, the Hungarian team can celebrate a job well done, knowing that they have made their country proud. The draw with the Netherlands will be remembered as a hard-earned result, one that highlights the strength of this Hungarian side and their potential to cause further upsets in the future.

Updated: 12:00, 12 Oct 2024