Hungary continues their dream run in Euro 2016 after a surprising first-place finish in Group F. Hungary’s Knockout Round journey begins against Belgium in the Round of 16.
Hungary Knockout Round Preview
Change is a Good Thing
Coach Bernd Storck kept the opposition guessing in the group stage. Three different formations were used. Twenty-one of the twenty-three players played. Dénes Dibusz and Péter Gulácsi were the only two players to not see the field during the group stage. They are the backup goalkeepers. Gábor Király, Richárd Guzmics, Ádám Lang, and Balázs Dzsudzsák are the only players to play all 270 minutes.
Storck has deployed a 4-1-4-1, a 4-3-3, and a 4-2-3-1 formation thus far. This could be the key to their success to this point. Opposition can’t scout and train appropriately when it is impossible to know what lineup or formation they will face.
Hungary Knockout Round Potential Lineup
A four man backline will certainly be the case. Expect to see Guzmics and Lang as starters in the defense. Zoltán Gera will continue his role as a holding midfielder. And a certain starter will be Dzsudzsák. In the group stage, he led the team with shots (nine), shots on target (five), and goals (two). The second most consistent offensive threat, Ádám Szalai will lead the front line against the Belgians.
Only Storck can fill in the blanks. His propensity to shuffle his deck will keep everyone guessing as to the starting line up. He has set up his team well before and will do so again. While resting certain players to assure fresh legs, he has, also, given valuable experience to others. This could prove invaluable should they progress further in the tournament. The Magyars will hope this, combined with a vociferous fan base, will lead them on to the Quarterfinals.
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