Hungary qualify for EURO 2024

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) – Group leaders Hungary on Thursday qualified for the UEFA EURO 2024 despite a 2-2 draw with Bulgaria in Sofia.

Hungarian forward Martin Adam scored the opener in the 10th minute.

Spas Delev put the ball into the Hungary net in the 24th minute to level the match.

Bulgaria came back in the 79th minute when Kiril Despodov scored from the penalty spot. In the 97th minute, defender Alex Petkov scored an own goal, which enabled Dominik Szoboszlai-led Hungary to clinch a spot at the EURO 2024 finals in Germany.

Bulgaria and Hungary were reduced to 10 men during the match after Valentin Antov (Bulgaria) in the 37th minute, and Milos Kerkez (Hungary) in the 57th minute were sent off.

The draw in Sofia has put Hungary on top of Group G with 15 points in seven appearances. Hungary were on a seven-point lead over third-place Montenegro, who have two games remaining in the group.

Fifth-place Bulgaria have been already eliminated.

Hungary qualified for EUROs for the fifth time in history. They recently played at the EURO 2020 but did not go beyond the group stage in the previous European championship.

Hungary finished third at the EURO 1964, which were their best.