Hungary’s Euro 2016 qualifying playoff was an emotional affair, coming less than a week after goalkeeper Márton Fülöp lost his battle with cancer.
It seemed somehow fitting that the country’s first major tournament qualification in 30 years would be clinched by a good friend and former club team-mate of the 32-year-old.
Tamas Priskin played with Fülöp at Ipswich Town, and the pair were known to be very close.
@TMortimerFtbl Also one of his best mates, at least once or twice when they were with the NT and I couldn't reach Marci I called Priskin and
— Matyas Szeli (@mettszeli) November 15, 2015
@TMortimerFtbl he just gave him the phone 🙂 🙁
— Matyas Szeli (@mettszeli) November 15, 2015
“Was the opener against Norway the goal of my life? I think so – it was a very important goal. And I would like to dedicate my goal to Márton Fülöp, my very good friend,” the former Watford striker told UEFA.com.
Priskin’s goal set Hungary on the way to a 2-1 second-leg win over Norway, helping them progress 3-1 on aggregate.
It will be the country’s first major tournament since the 1986 World Cup, and their first European Championships since 1972.
