2 weeks ago
10
Dominik Szoboszlai admitted to being exhausted after the Liverpool midfielder kept Hungary’s World Cup dreams alive in dramatic fashion on Tuesday.
The 24-year-old struck in stoppage time to earn his country a 2-2 draw against Portugal in Lisbon after Cristiano Ronaldo’s double had looked to have sent the hosts to next year’s tournament.
A win for Portugal would have seen it take an unassailable lead in its qualifying group, but Szoboszlai’s goal means Hungary still has a slim chance of catching Roberto Martinez’s side, while also strengthening its hopes of claiming a playoff spot ahead of the Republic of Ireland and Armenia.
It was a true captain’s performance from Szoboszlai, who also provided the assist for Attila Szalai’s opener before popping up at the back post late on to earn his side what could prove to be an invaluable point.
Speaking after the game, Szoboszlai told M4 Sport (via Nemzeti Sport): “I'm proud of this whole team! We fought all the way through the game!
“We started well, there was a slight dip in our game, but then we got ourselves together. I can only say positive things.
"My goal depended on the fact that I was so tired that I couldn't go for the short one anymore.
"I hoped it would come for the long one. I was confident until the end that we would manage to equalize."
Milos Kerkez was also involved for Hungary, with the left-back playing 79 minutes before being substituted by Marco Rossi.
Kerkez and Szoboszlai will now head back to Merseyside as Liverpool prepares to return to Premier League action this weekend, with Manchester United visiting Anfield as Arne Slot’s side looks to end a run of three consecutive defeats.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Liverpool.com says: You can never fault Szoboszlai’s efforts, although the fact that he’s admitting to feeling so tired during the international break might be a slight concern for Slot and Liverpool.
The midfielder has been one of the few players for the Reds this season who have actually looked anywhere near their best form, and if Ryan Gravenberch is struggling with injury, then his energy will definitely be needed over the next few games.
Hopefully, Szoboszlai isn’t feeling the effects of his excursions too much, and he will be able to carry his international form into Sunday’s game against United - whatever position Slot requires him to play in.
English (US) ·