In only its third international game ever, Team Hungary pulled off the upset of the year by beating Poland 23-22. This was a Polish squad which had pushed two of Europe’s best – Sweden and Denmark – to the limits in the last month. The game, played in Szekesfehrvar, Hungary, at the first American football specific stadium in the country, attracted a crowd of 2,600 delighted Hungarian fans.
For much of the game, Poland held the advantage due to its experience. Team Poland has played six games over the last 12 months while this was the third game ever for the Hungarian national team.
But Team Hungary finally made their intentions known when it counted late in the contest.
Poland scored in the first half on a touchdowns by Jacek Wroblewski and Karol Zak. Adam Nelipa kicked a field goal as well. Hungary’s Ferenc Baksa added a 51-yard field goal for the host team.
Down 16-3 early in the fourth quarter, Hungarian receiver Márton Czirók and quarterback Márk Bencsics began to connect. Bencsics found Czirók two times giving Hungary a 17-16 lead midway through the period.
PHOTO CREDIT: MARCIN FIJAŁKOWSKI
Then, after Polish quarterback Bartosz Dziedzic found Tomasz Zubryckiego for a 26 yard touchdown, restoring the Polish lead, 22-17, Hungary struck again.
This time Bencsics threw a 31 yard touchdown strike to Balazs Szabolcska, with little time remaining, shocking Poland and giving Hungary its first ever international victory.
Hungarian national team head coach Vilmos Gratz:
The key to success was to let everyone work. The match also proved that I am surrounded by very good professionals, coordinators and players. The improved performance in the second half is due to our offensive and defensive coordinators. This was truly a team victory. We have begun to believe in ourselves and I am very proud of this team.?
Hungary’s next game will be against Belgium on October 29. Meanwhile, Team Poland will face Holland’s Dutch Lions October 8 in Poland.