Live Match Hub: Cymru vs Hungary
International
17 November 2019

Live Match Hub: Cymru vs Hungary

GREATEST NIGHT FOR GIGGS

19 November 201910:49pm

Cymru manager Ryan Giggs spoke to the media following the 2-0 victory over Hungary that ensured his side will compete at the EURO 2020 finals.

"It's a special, special night for Wales," said Giggs. "The lads never gave up after the results in the summer. There was no room for error, and the quality that the lads have shown, they deserve it. We've missed Aaron (Ramsey), but players who can make the difference don't grow on trees. It couldn't have worked out better. His composure and quality on the ball, he made the difference. It's right up there as one of the greatest nights of my life.

"Every player that has come in has been brilliant. I achieved a lot as a player, but this is different. Cookie (Chris Coleman) showed the way, and I asked the players who had been there and done it to climb that mountain again, and they've done that. I set out to qualify for a major championship, but also to leave Welsh football in a better state. This is just the beginning, these young players can get better and better with the help of the senior lads.

"I'm pleased to come through along with Croatia, but Slovakia and Hungary pushed us all the way. It hasn't sunk in yet. When players are playing regular you see a difference in them. If everyone is playing and everyone is fit, and the strength-in-depth is huge, and that's through the quality we possess. We need to improve, I didn't think it was a fantastic performance. We showed grit and determination, but we need to be better on the ball.

"The players have bought into what we want to do. We've missed players that can make a difference. I'll enjoy tonight, you have to enjoy tonight, but then we will start looking at where we can improve. I never thought about the past really. The momentum that we gathered, we gave ourselves a great chance. As a player you want to play at major championships, but my playing career is over. I had fantastic longevity, but this is different. It feels amazing. The players, the staff, the fans. As a player you're selfish, but as a manager you have to consider everything."

ROSSI PRAISE FOR THE RED WALL

19 November 201910:44pm

Hungary manager Marco Rossi made a special mention for the atmosphere created by the Red Wall in his post-match press conference, and highlighted the differences between the two teams.

"The defenders made some big mistakes and we under-performed going forward," he explained. "The difference was that they scored with (Aaron) Ramsey. In the second half the match changed. Wales absolutely deserved to win. They showed the difference in quality between the two sets of players, but everyone knew this before.

"The guys tried to fight, but at this level, it was not enough. We didn't have enough choice of defenders, but I don't want to make excuses. We still have problems playing away, I don't think we have tactical problems. Gareth Bale plays for Real Madrid, Daniel James plays for Manchester United, Aaron Ramsey is with Juventus and was with Arsenal. This is the difference.

"I didn't say nothing to the team after the game. I think in our stadium, the crowd was really loud, our fans make much more noise. The atmosphere here was beautiful and emotional from the Wales fans. It was a fantastic atmosphere."

THE TEAMS ARE IN

19 November 20196:31pm

Ryan Giggs has made two changes to his Cymru starting line-up as Joe Allen and Aaron Ramsey return to bolster the midfield.

Harry Wilson, who scored in the 2-0 win over Azerbaijan, and Ethan Ampadu drop down to the bench. A victory over Hungary this evening will guarantee Cymru a place at the EURO 2020 finals.

Follow @Cymru throughout the evening for live updates from the capital and check back here later for all the post-match reaction.

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IT'S MATCHDAY

19 November 201911:12am

The day has arrived for Cymru. Ryan Giggs' side sit just one win away from achieving automatic qualification for EURO 2020 ahead of tonight's decisive match against Hungary at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Although undefeated at home throughout the campaign, the last time the side experienced a defeat was against Hungary in Budapest back in June. However, confidence within the camp has never been higher heading into this final match, and the Red Wall are sure to create another special atmosphere in the capital this evening.

Follow @Cymru throughout the day for all the build-up, and check back here later for team news and all the post-match reaction.

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DOWNLOAD FC CYMRU - THE OFFICAL MATCHDAY MAGAZINE

18 November 20197:07pm

Take a look at the latest edition of FC Cymru - The official matchday magazine - ahead of the EURO 2020 qualifier against Hungary. Print copies will be available for free at the stadium on Tuesday night on a first come, first served basis.

In this issue we catch-up with U21 manager Paul Bodin, take a nostalgic look at the famous Hungarian team of the 1950's, discuss domestic matters with Briton Ferry Llansawel FC, reflect on the qualifying campaign that has taken Cymru within one win of qualification, get the thoughts of manager Ryan Giggs, and much, much more!

Click here to download a copy now ahead of the match.

MEET THE REF

18 November 20196:38pm

Romanian Ovidiu Hategan will take charge of the crucial EURO 2020 qualifier between Cymru and Hungary on Tuesday night.

A medical doctor by profession, Hategan is a familiar face on the European stage, officiating in the latter stages of the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League in recent seasons. He also refereed two group games at the EURO 2016 finals in France.

This is the second time that Hategan has taking charge of Cymru in Cardiff, as he refereed the 1-0 victory over Austria in World Cup qualifying back in September 2017, when Ben Woodburn scored a memorable goal on his senior international debut.

Hategan will be assisted by Octavian Sovre and Sebastian Gheorghe, with Sebastian Coltescu as the fourth official. All of the match officials are from Romania.

BALE READY FOR MORE EURO GLORY

18 November 20191:14pm

In addition to the manager, Gareth Bale also spoke to the media at the team base on Monday.

"I'm ready, obviously I hadn't played for four weeks, so it was important for me to get 60 minutes and I'm ready to go on Tuesday now," said Bale on the victory over Azerbaijan. "We've got the euphoria of qualifying for EURO 2016, and the disappointment of missing out on the World Cup, so we have to use both those experiences to our advantage, to navigate our way through, and to try and win the game.

"We've passed on our experience and knowledge about qualifying with the younger players. We've been there and done it, and we know it's going to be a big game tomorrow night. We want the Welsh fans to be the same as always, to sing and be the twelfth man for us. Even long away trips to Baku, they're there in their thousands.

"Of course, it's been an up and down campaign, but the most important thing now is that we haven't lost since Hungary, and the confidence is there. The youngsters have come in and done really well, we've got a great mix of youth and experience. Qualifying would be right up there for me, it was massive last time, and to do it again might be even more impressive.

"But we can't think about that just yet, we have to focus on Tuesday's game as a team and as a squad first. He (Kieffer Moore) has come in and done a fantastic job, we have more options through him, and he's scored some important goals for us. It's a big positive to have everyone available, it's a good headache for the manager to have, and whoever starts will be ready and want to win the game.

"We've got more attacking options now, and I don't really feel the pressure to much. I always give my best to help the team, for me personally it's about doing the best for the team, and the most important thing is that we win. But it's good that we're all chipping in and helping each other."

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GIGGS SPEAKS TO THE MEDIA

18 November 20191:09pm

Manager Ryan Giggs spoke to the media on Monday lunchtime as his Cymru side prepare to take on Hungary in EURO 2020 qualifying.

"It was a long flight back, but we've had a good couple of days recovery," said Giggs on the 2-0 victory over Azerbaijan in Baku over the weekend. "The lads recovered yesterday and had a bit of time off, so we're ready for the game. We've got a few players who played 90 minutes for the first time, and the lads who needed minutes got minutes.

"It's a balancing act, and that will obviously impact on the selection. Aaron (Ramsey) and Gareth (Bale) are ready to start, and so is everyone else in the squad. It's not about me, getting to a major championship is about the country as a whole. If we can recreate what we achieved in 2016 it will be fantastic. We've put ourselves in a great position to qualify.

"It's where you want to be as a player, playing in games that mean something. We're know we're up against a team that are hard-working and organised, and they need to win too. The younger players and older players are ready for the challenge. All the staff are important, like the players, I have a great group of staff. We've got a good spirit which is important, in any winning team you need that, and we've got that on and off the pitch.

"We needed a favour from Croatia and they showed their quality. We need to finish the job, it will be difficult, but we're ready for the challenge. You have to weigh up all the situations and decide on what you think is right. You have to look at the overall picture. It worked out well for us on Saturday, but you don't always get it right.

"We have to show the belief and the quality that we've shown. We need to be brave on the ball, it's going to be an exciting night, and one that all the players are looking forward to. I believe in the players and the quality that they possess. Experience counts for a lot, but the young players have come in and they have been fearless. They help each other.

"It was difficult in the summer for a number of different reasons. We had to get ourselves back in the group, and since then we have shown our quality and momentum, and get that momentum in international football isn't easy. You need that little bit of luck as well, which every team needs.

"I got given a chance as a young player, and if you give them a chance and believe in their quality, they won't let you down. It will be tough picking the team, but there are lots of things we have to take into account. It won't be easy."

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PRESS WATCH

18 November 201912:06pm

The message for Cymru is clear in the Welsh media this morning, Ryan Giggs' side will qualify for EURO 2020 with a win against Hungary tomorrow night.

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PREPARATIONS CONTINUE

18 November 201911:52am

The Cymru squad were back on the training ground this morning ahead of the decisive EURO 2020 qualifier against Hungary in Cardiff on Tuesday night.

Ryan Giggs' side have put themselves within one win of automatic qualification, and the manager will join Gareth Bale at the top table this lunchtime to discuss the situation with the media. Check back here shortly to find out what the two had to say.

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ALLEN RETURNS FROM SUSPENSION

17 November 20196:11pm

Midfielder Joe Allen (below) missed the 2-0 victory over Azerbaijan on Saturday through suspension, but his availability for the crucial EURO 2020 qualifier on Tuesday provides manager Ryan Giggs with another welcome selection headache.

For the first time in the campaign, Giggs was able to call upon the services of Aaron Ramsey, but elected to use the Juventus star as a substitute in Baku. Replacing Gareth Bale on the hour mark, both players benefited from some much needed minutes ahead of the decisive match against Hungary.

Team captain Ashley Williams was an unused substitute in the win over Azerbaijan, and with a victory over Hungary guaranteeing Cymru a place at the finals next summer, the manager will have some big decisions to make before announcing his starting line-up on Tuesday night.

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PREVIOUS MEETINGS - CYMRU v HUNGARY

17 November 20195:47pm

Cymru hold the statistical advantage over Hungary heading into Tuesday's decisive EURO 2020 qualifier having won five of the previous meetings between the two nations, with Hungary winning four. Two fixtures finished all square.

The first meeting, and draw, between the two countries took place in the group stages of the 1958 FIFA World Cup. The two sides then played each other again in a play-off to decide which team would advance to the knock-out stages, and goals from Ivor Allchurch and Terry Medwin earned Cymru a 2-1 win.

A goal from Máté Pátkai separated the two teams in Budapest when the two sides last met back in June. However, the two previous fixtures between the two nations were both won by Cymru. In 2004, goals from Jason Koumas and Robert Earnshaw earned a 2-1 win in Budapest, and a brace from Craig Bellamy was enough to claim a 2-0 win the following year.

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GIGGS REACTS TO AZERBAIJAN WIN

17 November 20195:32pm

Manager Ryan Giggs spoke to the media in Baku on Saturday evening following the 2-0 victory over Azerbaijan that has moved his Cymru squad to within one win of EURO 2020 qualification.

The side are now undefeated in the last four qualifying games, and Giggs was keen to highlight the character of the squad to turn things around following the defeats against Croatia and Hungary in the summer. 

Click the video below to watch Giggs' post-match press conference in full.

THE CURRENT SITUATION

17 November 20195:18pm

It's come down to the final round of fixtures in Group E to decide which nation will join Croatia at the finals of EURO 2020.

An upturn in results has propelled Ryan Giggs' Cymru right back into contention, and a victory over Hungary at the Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday night would guarantee qualification. 

However, Hungary head into the match with a one point advantage, and claimed a 1-0 victory over Cymru in Budapest earlier in the campaign. 

With everything at stake, another incredible atmosphere is expected, and the Red Wall will understand exactly what is needed to help the side over the line.

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Welcome to the Live Match Hub as Ryan Giggs and his Cymru squad go head-to-head with Hungary in Cardiff for a place at UEFA EURO 2020. 

The Live Match Hub provides you with all the latest news ahead of the crunch match from across social media, the written press and news updates directly from the camp. 

So make sure you keep coming back to this page as it will be updated regularly with the very latest information.