Hungary and Slovakia reach Euro 2024 while starlet Lamine Yamal scores for Spain

PARIS – Hungary and Slovakia became the latest teams to book their tickets to Euro 2024 on Nov 16, while 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal scored again for already-qualified Spain.

The Hungarians guaranteed their place at the Finals in Germany when an own goal from Bulgaria’s Alex Petkov deep in stoppage time gave them a 2-2 draw in Sofia.

The visitors needed only a point to qualify. But they were 2-1 down before Petkov allowed a cross to skid off the top of his head and into his own net in the 97th minute in a dramatic finish.

“We made history by reaching the European Championship for the third time in a row. I am also grateful to the god of football, who must have watched this match,” said a relieved Hungary coach Marco Rossi.

“Honestly, I don’t even remember how many chances we created in the game, but we missed everything.

“We fought all the way, but we made it difficult for ourselves.”

The Hungarian players exploded in joy after a match played in an empty stadium because of fears of protests against the head of the Bulgarian football federation.

Instead, Bulgarian fans mounted violent protests calling for the resignation of Borislav Mihaylov outside the ground.

At least 24 supporters and 33 police officers were injured in the clashes and police also used water cannon to disperse crowds of fans angry at the lack of their national team’s progress.

The draw gave Hungary 15 points from seven games in Group G, two ahead of Serbia, who have to wait to qualify as Montenegro beat Lithuania 2-0 to keep their hopes alive.

In Bratislava, Slovakia cruised past Iceland 4-2, with two goals from Lukas Haraslin helping them qualify for also the third time in a row from Group J behind Portugal.

“This team show how they are growing, it was another moment that even after we were losing, we were able to get back into the game,” said coach Francesco Calzona, whose side went down to an early Iceland goal.

“We entered the second half very well, the start was fantastic. For the players, they deserve the celebrations.”

Portugal stayed eight points ahead of Slovakia by beating Liechtenstein 2-0 in Vaduz with goals from Cristiano Ronaldo – his 128th international strike to extend his world record – and Joao Cancelo.

Hungary and Slovakia join hosts Germany, Austria, Belgium, England, France, Portugal, Scotland, Spain and Turkey as the teams qualified so far.

In other games, Spain comfortably beat Cyprus 3-1 with starlet Yamal opening the scoring in the fifth minute.

Yamal, 16, had become Spain’s youngest player and scorer in a 7-1 qualifying win against Georgia in September and on Nov 16 he rounded the goalkeeper and scored with a powerful finish.

Scotland came from behind to draw 2-2 with Georgia in Tbilisi.

Luxembourg thrashed Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1 and will enter the play-offs after a campaign that has defied expectations.

Azerbaijan eased past Sweden 3-0 in Baku in Group F, from which Austria, who beat bottom team Estonia 2-0, and Belgium, have already qualified. AFP, REUTERS