Laszlo Benes and Andras Nemeth qualify for the EUROs

“If Slovakia were to qualify for the EUROs, it would be very special. Now, we’re in with a chance; we just need one point. Contesting a EUROs tournament in Germany would be amazing,” explained Laszlo Benes about a week ago in the HSV-Podcast “PUR DER HSV”. Thanks to Slovakia’s 4-2 win over Iceland on Thursday evening, this dream will now become true. This is the third time that Slovakia have qualified for the EUROs, having competed in the 2016 EUROs in France and also in 2021’s tournament, when Benes was also part of the 26-man squad. 

It was Iceland who took the lead in the Group J qualifier, through Orri Oskarsson (17’). However, by the 55th minute, Slovakia were 4-1 up thanks to goals from Juraj Kucka (30’), Ondreij Duda (36’, penalty) and Lukas Haraslin (47’, 55’), before Andri Gudjohnsen (74’) netted a consolation goal. Laszlo Benes was brought on for former Bundesliga player Duda in the 79th minute. The sold-out Tehelné pole stadium erupted into joyous celebrations after the final whistle and in the middle of it all was HSV man Laszlo “Laci” Benes!  

And “Laci” was not the only HSV player celebrating qualification for the EUROs on Thursday evening; just a few hours before, his teammate Andras Nemeth booked his place for the EUROs in spectacular fashion, along with his Hungarian compatriots. An own goal from Bulgaria’s Aleks Petkov in the seventh minute of additional time meant that the clash ended in 2-2 draw, which was enough to send Hungary through to the EUROs. Nemeth was brought on in the 74th minute, when the game was still 1-1 and was therefore involved in a thrilling end to the match. It was the striker’s third international cap. 

HSV congratulates both players on their successes with their respective nations. You can be very proud of yourself, lads.