Earnshaw Nets Winner as Wales Scrape Past Hungary

Winning Goal
By Chris O'Brien
March 31 2004

Robert Earnshaw netted a late winner, as Wales beat a physical Hungary side 2-1 in Budapest. The visitors, who included two Bluebirds in the line-up, can count themselves a little lucky to win the friendly, but Mark Hughes will be pleased with the gutsy showing from a below-strength Wales team.

Cardiff City striker Robert Earnshaw hit a late winner, as Wales ground out a 2-1 victory in Budapest against a physical Hungarian outfit. The Zambian-born forward was one of two City players involved, with Daniel Gabbidon starting at right-back for his 8th international cap. Uncapped duo James Collins and Martyn Margetson were not involved.

The hosts took the lead through a Krisztian Kenesei penalty on eighteen minutes, given away by our very own Daniel Gabbidon for a rough tackle in the box. Wales battled back though, and were on level terms just three minutes later through a free-kick off the post from the impressive Jason Koumas, who was easily Wales' top man on the night. Debutant and former England under-21 skipper Ben Thatcher, allowed to represent Mark Hughes' team under new FIFA regulations, also looked the part for the visitors.

Hungary had been the better side for most of the game, but lacked the cutting edge infront of goal. The winner from Earnshaw came nine minutes from time, with the City attacker made the most of Zsolt Low's woeful clearance to net the third goal of a niggling encounter at the Ferenc Puskas Stadium.

Wales can count themselves lucky they got the victory, but without a large number of first-team players and away from home against a technically-gifted eastern Europeans side, this can only be deemed as a pleasing display from Mark Hughes' side as preparation for the World Cup qualification matches begins.

Full Time - Hungary 1-2 Wales