Hungary lead the way with away win over Norway in Oslo

Laszlo Kleinheisler marks dream debut to put side in control of play-off

Norway 0 Hungary 1

Hungary stunned Norway with a 1-0 win thanks to a first-half goal from Laszlo Kleinheisler in the first leg of their Euro 2016 play-off on a chilly night in Oslo.

Kleinheisler, a 21-year-old making his debut in international football, gave the visitors the lead in the 26th minute, taking a touch to control Adam Szalai’s pass before whipping the ball home for a vital away goal after Norway had created a flurry of chances in a strong opening period.

The Norwegians attacked relentlessly in the search for an equaliser but, despite dominating possession, lacked the guile in attack, which allowed Hungary goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly to celebrate his 100th cap with a clean sheet as well as victory.

READ MORE

Norway, who could have had two second-half penalties for fouls on Omar Elabdellaoui, saw a late header from Pal Andre Helland come back off the bar and coach Per-Mathias Hogmo has to rally his players for the second leg in Budapest on Sunday.

The defeat was Norway's first by Hungary since 1981 and highlighted their inability to score, having managed only 13 goals during a qualifying campaign in which midfielder Alexander Tettey was their top scorer with three goals.

Hungary, on the other hand, did exactly what they set out to do, ceding possession and then striking quickly on the counter attack as the hosts poured forward looking for a goal.

With Norway crying out for a spark of creativity, their promising Real Madrid teenager Martin Odegaard remained on the bench as Hungary held on to take control of the tie.