Not only training but also a series of pre-season matches has begun for our academy players, with the youngsters testing themselves at home and away against both Hungarian and foreign opponents. Our U16 team travelled to Austria for an international tournament, where they faced Austrian, German and Polish opposition as well as PAFC in the semi-final. Our team eventually returned home with the silver medal.
U19
CRVENA ZVEZDA–BUDAPEST HONVÉD FC 1–1
Goal: Szlovák
László Takács: – We faced a physically strong team made up of technically skilled players. We started the match well and managed to play our way out of the opponent’s pressure, creating chances from it. However, we fell behind after a corner. After that we had opportunities to equalise, but we were inaccurate in front of goal. Our play dropped off in the final 15 minutes and the home side managed to get in behind us several times. In the second half, the substitutes made a very good impact and several of the starters also improved their performance, allowing us to put the opposition under greater pressure. We managed to equalise quickly and could even have taken the lead. At times our pressing became disjointed, which also gave our opponents chances. Overall, we were able to compete on equal terms with a very strong side and played a useful match.
U17
BUDAPEST HONVÉD FC–ESMTK U19 2–2
Márton Bogdánfi: – For various reasons we were very short of players by the weekend, but we definitely wanted those who were available to get some match practice. I have mixed feelings because although the game started at a good tempo, that lasted for 20 minutes, after which my team completely switched off and we literally played a friendly match. The game highlighted many things. It was useful.
U16
LIPIZZANERHEIMAT CUP
Group matches
–Akademie Steiermark Sturm Graz–Budapest Honvéd 0–1
– Union Berlin–Budapest Honvéd FC 2–0
Goals: För, Somogyi
–Stal Rzeszow 0–0
–Wolfsberger AC 2–0
Goals: För, Érsek
Semi-final
–PAFC 0–0 – 2–0 on penalties
Final
–Stal Rzeszow 1–2
Goal: Varga Z.
Best goalkeeper of the tournament: Mátyás Jakab
Gábor Szamosszegi: – In the first match of the tournament we played a little too hurriedly. On the ball we did not have the courage to find the sixes or tens who were positioning themselves well between the lines. We relied too much on our goalkeeper and on long balls. One mistake at the back, combined with the short match format, meant we started with a defeat.
In the second match we had to go onto the pitch knowing we had to win, and the boys handled that well. We scored from our very first attack, and what is more, it came at the end of a textbook move. We controlled the game throughout, both with and without the ball, and were able to extend our lead, winning deservedly.
A Polish opponent awaited us in the next group game and, like us, they played with a clear plan. Although we were closer to victory in this match, we failed to take our chances and a fair draw resulted.
In the final round we absolutely had to win to finish in one of the top two places. The boys started aggressively, and you could feel the energy, which was also reflected in the goals. Against a good opponent, our deserved victory meant we could look forward to the next stage as group winners and full of confidence.
In the semi-final against PAFC, both teams were more cautious than necessary. Our opponents preferred to wait for our mistakes and losses of possession, while we tried to break down their organised defence. Unfortunately we did not manage it, although we had one or two opportunities. In the end it went to a penalty shoot-out, where Zsombi Liziczay in goal seemed to bewitch the kickers from Felcsút and we advanced to the final.
The two teams that played the most intelligent football at the tournament reached the final, which the Polish side started better. In the first period our opponents had more of the ball, but without posing much of a threat. After that, with a few quick and explosive attacks, we managed to create chances and took the lead with a beautiful header. At that point we had the match under control and tried to keep possession, but our opponents punished us after we lost the ball. The match opened up, chances came at both ends, but after another loss of possession the Polish side scored the winner.
Overall, we have come through a very intense and useful tournament against very good teams, which, in addition to the fine result, also helped bring the team together. Congratulations to the boys because they showed that we can play good football at international level as well.
U15
BUDAPEST HONVÉD FC–NK OSIJEK 1–3
Goal: Vérten
István Körtvélyesi: – This was the team’s first match against a stronger opponent. The difference compared with our previous opponents was noticeable. The footballing problems that had also been visible in earlier matches came out much more clearly because of the opponent’s quality. There was too little movement off the ball, and the players found it difficult to recognise their roles in different situations. They do not yet recognise when they can show for the ball or make a run in behind the defensive line in attack. There were good periods in the match, such as the start of the second half, when we regularly managed to break down Osijek’s defence. Defensively we lost many duels because of the opponent’s physical superiority, but despite that, a lot of what we had worked on during the week was visible, which is positive. We still have a lot to improve on set pieces; there were many problems from them, which is obviously also because we have not yet spent much time working on them as a team.
U14
TSC TOPOLYA–BUDAPEST HONVÉD FC 1–0
Tamás Szamosi: – Despite the result, the players deserve praise. International matches are played at a different rhythm and with a different refereeing approach, and we will have to adapt to that in the future. Our defending was stable, we did not allow our opponents to develop their game, and we also performed well in possession. We missed a great many chances in transitions, so that is an area that needs improvement. The defensive side of our set pieces worked well, while we still need to work on the attacking side. Overall, we can be satisfied with what we saw and we need as many matches like this as possible in the future.
U13
DAC–BUDAPEST HONVÉD 1–5 (1–1)
Goals: Tóth G. 3, Marte M., Albert B.
Gergely Fűzfa: – A great deal of the individual and team-tactical elements we had worked on in training appeared during the match. The boys worked hard, showed desire and gave that effort the right footballing content. We also managed to win our second international match and represented Kispest and Budapest Honvéd with distinction. We thank DAC for their hospitality and wish them every success going forward!
.jpg)
