Our prediction for this match:
After outplaying Montenegro in their last EURO 2024 qualifier, Hungary will be aiming to give fans yet another reason to celebrate when they take on Turkey in a friendly on Friday evening. The Hungarians kickstart their preparations for the upcoming EURO finals and we are positive that they will take this warm-up game very seriously. The good news for the hosts is that Liverpool ace Dominik Szoboszlai returns from injury.
The Turks will take part at this summer’s showpiece tournament in Germany as well. As Vincenzo Montella can count on key players for Friday’s clash, we believe that there is a big value in betting on both teams to score. As always, a man to watch in the away team will be Hakan Calhanoglu, who is playing a very important role in Inter’s quest for Scudetto. Galatasaray striker Baris Yilmaz is widely expected to lead the line for the away team.
Highlighted Player (Hakan Calhanoglu):
Hakan Calhanoglu is another one in the long line of Turkish footballers who were born in Germany, so it is hardly surprising he came to prominence thanks to his performances in Bundesliga. The attacking midfielder with great vision and very good goalscoring record started his professional career at Karlsruher, scoring impressive 17 goals in 50 league outings to earn a move to Bundesliga side Hamburg.
The spell at Imtech Arena was merely a stepping stone for bigger things as 11 goals in his debut top flight campaign persuaded Bayer Leverkusen to splash nearly €15 million on his services. That proved a very good investment as Calhanoglu continued the rich vein of form, and it is now a matter of time before he joins one of European powerhouses.
The midfield maestro had a bright start to his career in the Turkey national team, scoring 5 goals in first 16 caps, and chances are he will become a leader for Milli Takim in the foreseeable future.
Highlighted Team (Hungary):
Widely known as the Mighty Magyars during the 1950’s, Hungary national team had the world at its feet as the team featuring Ferenc Puskas, Sandor Kocsis and Zoltan Czibor reached the final of the 1954 World Cup, while recording several impressive wins over England and other top sides in international friendlies.
Hungary also made it to the semi-final at the Euro 1964 and Euro 1972, but they have since largely struggled to return to old glory days. The barren run finally came to an end as Foci defeated Norway in the play-off to qualify for the Euro 2016 finals, but there still appears to be a huge gap behind the top European sides.
Long-serving goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly has managed to break a 58-year record held by Jozsef Bozsik, having surpassed the 101-cap mark, but Ferenc Puskas still remains the top goalscorer in the history of the national team with an unbelievable record of 84 goals in 85 caps, followed by Sandor Kocsis, who has 75 goals in 68 appearances.