Dominik Szoboszlai became the second Liverpool player to taste defeat at Euro 2024 on Saturday.
Much had been expected of Hungary heading into the tournament, but they succumbed to a 3-1 loss against Switzerland.
Despite the defeat, Szoboszlai made history as he became the youngest ever captain in European Championship history.
The Liverpool man also made a tangible impact on the game, registering a lovely assist with a whipped cross in from the left wing.
But it was not enough to save Hungary, who now face an uphill battle to qualify from the group. After the game, Szoboszlai appeared keen to keep morale high amongst the group.
Dominik Szoboszlai leads post-game national anthem
Szoboszlai clearly loves playing for Hungary. His manager, Marco Rossi, is a huge of the Liverpool No.8.
Prior to the tournament, Rossi tipped Szoboszlai to be one of the stars of the competition. He did a little to live up to that billing with his assist for Barnabas Varga on Saturday.
More will be expected from the Hungarians during their next outing against Germany, though.
They have a passionate support who clearly love their football. And although their team did not quite do them proud, journalist Rory Smith spotted the fans – and Szoboszlai – sharing a moment after the match.
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“Not sure I’ve seen this before (Hungary may always do it),” Smith wrote on X, along with an accompanying picture.
“Dominik Szoboszlai, hand on his heart, leading the team — and Hungary’s ultras — in an a Capella version of the national anthem.”
After being informed that this is standard practice after Hungarian national team games, Smith noted down some further observations.
“I have subsequently been informed this is standard for Hungary,” added the journalist. “They’re showing a bond with the fans, but I…don’t think they’re standing in front of the ultras by accident. Couple of players had brief conversations with fans in the front rows, too.”
Hungary need more from Dominik Szoboszlai
Anyone who has watched Szoboszlai for Liverpool since the turn of the year will have recognised his performance on Saturday.
Although there were some flashes of excellence – the assist being the highlight – much of the game left you wanting far more from Szobsozlai.
It’s true that his teammates did not offer much save for a flurry immediately before and after the goal, but when you have the reputation the 23-year-old does, you need to step up in those situations.
As we’ve seen far too often at Anfield over the past few months, Szoboszlai could not impact the game quite as much as he’d like. It was a frustrating overall performance.
In Hungary terms, Szoboszlai also has not been in the best form for his nation.
There is still time to turn things around and Smith’s observations show that the fans are right behind the Liverpool man. But he does need to improve.
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