LIVESTREAM: IFAF EC Qualifier – Team Spain @Hungary, Sat. Oct. 12, 5p CEDT (11a EDT)

| 2020 IFAF Men's European Championship Group B | 10/12/2019

The Hungarian national team will host Spain for the first time in the New Hidegkuti Nandor Stadium, on Saturday,October 12 in IFAF 2020 European Championship Qualification Group B action.

This is the first ever meeting between the two nations and Hungary’s debut in Group B.

Five squads (Belgium, Hungary, Israel, Spain, Turkey) compete for the top spot of the group which will mean promotion to Group A. In opening round action last month, Israel defeated Turkey 27-22 on the road and then were beaten by Belgium 32-23 at home in Jerusalem.

The last time Spain took the field was in 2018 when they lost a tight game to Turkey, 14-7 and then defeated Russia 27-0.  Hungary won the Three Nations Cup last year defeating both Slovakia and the Czech Republic in the process.

Photo: DigitalSport

Hungary is hoping to win Division B and qualify for the top group.

Team Hungary’s first ever clash against Spain will not be easy although head coach Vilmos Grátz is satisfied with the preparations.

“The team is still missing important players like offense lineman Dániel Menczel, who is the most experienced against Spanish teams since he spent two seasons in the Badalona Dracs. In addition, although running back Richárd Roják recovered fully from his torn ACL, he did not play a game in 2019.”

Nevertheless, the Hungarians are continuously filling up their roster with talented young players, who are working hard to earn their spot in the starter. Budapest Cowbells’ U19 star Zoltán Golita will be a player to watch if he gets the opportunity on defense.

Photo: DigitalSport

Team Spain has shown finesse and speed earlier on in its games which can be crucial for them if they want to beat the tough Hungarian defense. .Moreover, the Spanish defense is mainly based on the multi-championship winning Badalona Dracs which will be tough to beat. Even for the speedy Hungarian receivers.

Team Spain roster

Watch the game live here. Team Spain @Hungary, Sat. Oct. 12, 5p CEDT (11a EDT)

Photos: DigitalSport

László Makranczi is a radio reporter, announcer and American Football journalist in Hungary. He lives in Debrecen and works for the Hungarian American Football Federation. Studied at the University of Debrecen, got a master’s degree in American