Hungary (6) v (7) France

By Tom Lyons

Hungary and France played off in an exciting City Cup qualifying final on Yarra Pitch.

A well-contested game resulted in a thrilling 7-6 victory for the French.

France’s Karim Kamkuum was the difference in the contest.

His first and the first for the match came from a brilliant solo effort, evading two defenders and slotting it past the diving Hungarian goalkeeper.

A mistake from the French goalkeeper gave Hungary’s Beci a penalty, he failed to convert and the French made it 2-0.

The Hungarians finally opened their account with a great throw from the goalkeeper, which Mate Bari finished off.

Hungary was able to equalise seconds later with a scrappy goal after France’s Bangura went down in a heavy challenge.

Both teams tried to take the advantage by utilising good throws from their goalkeepers, and it was Hungary who took the lead with only 90 seconds to play in the first half.

Not to be outdone, the French were able to equalise and took the lead just before half time, following a quickly-taken corner throw that was converted by Bangura.

The French played inspired football in the second half, but it was a classy finish from Hungary’s Bari that tied the game up at the first minute mark.

The counter-attack worked for France immediately, as Bangura received the ball from his keeper, turned beautifully, and put the ball into the bottom corner giving France the lead. Another goal seconds later gave the French a 5-4 lead.

Beci continued to battle hard for the Hungarians, scoring twice to keep his team in the match.

However it wasn’t enough as a second half hat-trick for Bangura gave the French the win.

A well-fought contest, a great win for the French but devastating for the valiant Hungarians.

Photos: Photoworx