Australia came two goals down to secure a deserved 2-2 draw against Hungary as both teams kept their hopes of progressing alive in Goiania on Tuesday. Hungary went ahead against the run of play with a two-goal salvo inside six first-half minutes, while Australia finally regained parity with their own quickfire double with 16 minutes remaining. Hungary seemed on track for a first win since 1985, their last appearance in the tournament, but Australia’s dominance in possession eventually paid dividends with Caleb Watts’ equaliser.
Peter Barath put Hungary in the lead heading home a free-kick from close range and the Europeans doubled their advantage through a spot-kick from Akos Zuigeber with just 20 minutes gone.
Australia enjoyed little luck on the night, hitting the frame of the goal on two occasions, via Noah Botic and Ryan Teague, and having two goals ruled out for offside. The Joeys dominated the ball from the outset only to concede a goal from Hungary’s first set-piece and then from a VAR-awarded handball. They kept their nerve, however, to continually find space out wide and in the pockets, creating goalscoring chances in the process. A 69th minute penalty from Noah Botic and a solo goal by Caleb Watts in the 74th minute was enough for Australia to tie the game.
Australia will face already qualified Nigeria in their Group B final game while Ecuador will entertain Hungary.
By Olamide Oyetunji
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