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16th Nov 2015

Hungary striker dedicates play-off goal to late team-mate Fülöp

Tom Victor

Hungary’s Euro 2016 qualifying playoff was an emotional affair, coming less than a week after goalkeeper Márton Fülöp lost his battle with cancer.

It seemed somehow fitting that the country’s first major tournament qualification in 30 years would be clinched by a good friend and former club team-mate of the 32-year-old.

Tamas Priskin played with Fülöp at Ipswich Town, and the pair were known to be very close.

“Was the opener against Norway the goal of my life? I think so – it was a very important goal. And I would like to dedicate my goal to Márton Fülöp, my very good friend,” the former Watford striker told UEFA.com.

Priskin’s goal set Hungary on the way to a 2-1 second-leg win over Norway, helping them progress 3-1 on aggregate.

It will be the country’s first major tournament since the 1986 World Cup, and their first European Championships since 1972.