During the European Championship qualifiers, the Hungarian U21 national team faced Croatia, Lithuania, and Turkey. Although head coach Antal Németh's side had to forfeit their chances of advancing following a 3–1 defeat to the Croatians, they clearly took to the pitch aiming for victory against Lithuania at the Új Hidegkuti Nándor Stadion. Our boys ultimately tuned up for Tuesday's clash in Istanbul with a one-goal victory, playing their final match of the qualifying campaign against Turkey. The U21 national team played out a goalless draw with the Turks, thus finishing fourth in their qualifying group with seven points from eight matches.
Our club captain, Ádám Szamosi, had previously represented a youth national team during the U19 European Championship qualifiers. Against Croatia, however, he came on as a substitute in the 84th minute, and in Istanbul he was already named in the starting lineup, making his first start for the U21 national team.
„It was a great honor to receive a call-up and be able to feature for the national team as a younger player. It is just an added bonus that I was able to play in two matches. I missed one game due to a minor injury, but after that I was given a starting spot. There were few players I had played with before, as this was an older age group, but there were some I had played against, or we already knew each other off the pitch. I was able to build a lot of great personal connections during these 18 days. The squad was very welcoming, and everything went smoothly. I think if this qualifying campaign were to continue now, we could set bigger targets for ourselves. Obviously, we were in a difficult position because the results hadn't been coming before. Our goal was to collect as many points as possible, even if qualification was no longer realistic, but I believe we developed immensely as a team, and we also secured our first win. Out of three games, we only lost to group leaders Croatia, in a match that could just as easily have gone the other way,” – our 19-year-old midfielder summarized.
It is no coincidence that our player was called upon in the older age group, as he proves himself week in, week out among senior players and plays a pivotal role in our first team as captain. Our footballer explained that compared to the previous U19 national team, he encountered a significantly higher level and noticeable differences this time around.
„Obviously, it helps that I can prove myself in senior football, but we already encountered many players who also play at the senior level. For example, Croatia have players featuring in the Europa League or Conference League. Turkey also had players at top-tier clubs, so we had to rise to the occasion. I felt a big difference, but I think I held my own, and the team was also able to compensate for any individual differences on the pitch,” – he said, adding that pulling on the national jersey also provides immense mental strength.
„Being able to play for the national team definitely gives me strength. Even if just mentally, it adds a lot that besides playing for one of Hungary's most historic clubs, I can also represent the Hungarian national team. It feels good, provides recognition, and gives extra motivation for the future. I want to remain a key player for the U21 national team next year as well,” – he added.
Featured photo: MLSZ
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