Hungary no push over against World Champs
It was hard not to feel sympathy for Hungary in matchday one, it was such a gutsy display to hold Portugal until they conceded an 84th minute deflected goal and the floodgates opened. They have such a difficult challenge in Group F, and after losing their star man Dominik Szoboszlai to injury it was a very admirable showing in the opening game. A performance that despite the result should give the nation belief that they can trouble France and Germany in their remaining two fixtures. France produced a professional but not sparkling performance to beat the Germans 1-0 thanks to a Mats Hummels own goal, Didier Deschamps’ men had a couple of marginal offside decisions rule out extending their lead in an interesting matchup between two high quality teams.
Background
In RB Leipzig’s Peter Gulacsi between the sticks and Willi Orban at the centre of defence, Hungary have the tools and organisation to frustrate France as they did Portugal. Deschamps is very content with a 1-0 win and ensuring they are defensively sound rather than gung ho in offence, this could play into Hungary hands who will look to sit in with a low block. Attila Szalai is Orban’s trusty Lieutenant in the back three and can produce goal saving interventions, the 23-year-old is being watched by many at this tournament after an impressive second half of the season with Fenerbahce. Freiburg’s Roland Sallai is a handful up top and the cohesion amongst the side through the adversity of this campaign cannot be underestimated, the Hungarians are desperate to give a good account of themselves in such trying circumstances.
The French demonstrated their quality in flashes against Germany with Kylian Mbappe showing glimpses of the devastating attacking talent he possesses. There are a lot of players in the France squad who have endured a very demanding 2019/20 and 2020/21 domestic season with a particularly short break in between, there may be some burnout if they cannot reshuffle the pack effectively.
France are justified in being heavy favourites for this fixture, however the market have shown respect to Hungary due to the problems they posed against the Portuguese. Therefore I am looking to the Asian goal line, Deschamps will not be pushing for a thrashing especially after they got the three points over Germany. There is value to be had in an unders punt here.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
A comfortable winner despite France coming close to scoring more. 1-1.