O'Neill positive as Northern Ireland draw with Hungary to stay unbeaten
Northern Ireland's goalless draw with Hungary at Windsor Park keeps them joint-top of Nations League League B with four points, but manager Michael O'Neill was left frustrated by play-acting and a disallowed penalty appeal.
Northern Ireland played out a goalless draw with Hungary at Windsor Park on their return to League B of the Nations League, maintaining their unbeaten start to the campaign. The result leaves them joint-top with Ukraine on four points from two matches. Manager Michael O'Neill said he felt "positive" after the game, noting that his side were "more than a match" for a strong Hungary team.
Chances were scarce as both defences dominated. Patrick Kelly hit the crossbar for Northern Ireland in the first half, while Isaac Price forced a save from Hungary goalkeeper Balazs Toth. Shea Charles had a penalty appeal waved away, echoing a controversial spot-kick conceded by Dan Ballard in the previous win over Georgia. O'Neill remarked that the referee "never seems to make the walk for us," though he admitted he had not reviewed the incident.
Hungary's main threat, Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai, was largely neutralised. Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pierce Charles was barely tested, with his only save coming from a lethargic clearance that led to an Alex Toth shot late on. O'Neill acknowledged that both teams looked tired after a demanding schedule, saying he saw "two tired teams" at the end.
The manager was also critical of what he perceived as simulation from Hungarian players, who he said were holding their faces and screaming. Several Northern Ireland players, including Ethan Galbraith, Shea Charles, Jamie Donley and Isaac Price, were booked by referee Ricardo de Burgos. O'Neill called for such antics to be removed from the game, describing it as an honest and competitive match that did not need them.
Northern Ireland now face Ukraine in Slovakia on Friday, their third game in a quadruple-header. Despite the challenges, O'Neill is pleased with what he called a "great start" in a "very, very competitive group," where teams appear evenly matched.
