Hungary’s World Cup Exit: Lessons for Malta

In the heart of Valletta, at the bustling St. George’s Square, you’d find locals and tourists alike, engrossed in their phones, their faces a mix of disbelief and disappointment. The news had just broken: Hungary, the surprise package of Euro 2016, had failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.

From Euphoria to Defeat

The joy of two years ago, when Hungary shocked the football world by reaching the round of 16 in France, seemed like a distant memory. The Magyar team, led by the charismatic Marco Rossi, had captured the imagination of not just Hungarians, but football fans worldwide. In Malta, where the love for the beautiful game runs deep, Hungary’s performance was celebrated with as much fervor as a Maltese victory.

But on Tuesday, March 29, 2022, the dream turned into a nightmare. A 1-0 loss to Serbia, coupled with a goalless draw between North Macedonia and Portugal, meant Hungary finished third in their qualifying group. The World Cup, the biggest stage in football, would go on without them.

Lessons Learned

For Malta, a nation that has never qualified for a major tournament, Hungary’s failure serves as a harsh reminder of the challenges faced by smaller footballing nations. Both countries share a similar population size, around 500,000, and both face the daunting task of competing against footballing giants.

Yet, there are lessons to be learned from Hungary’s journey. Their success in Euro 2016 was built on a strong youth system, a clear tactical plan, and a never-say-die attitude. In Malta, where the national team is coached by Devis Mangia, a man known for his emphasis on youth development, there’s hope that similar success can be achieved.

As the world turns its attention to Qatar later this year, Malta and Hungary will both be watching from the sidelines. But the focus for both nations should be on the future. For Malta, the upcoming Nations League campaign provides an opportunity to build on the progress made under Mangia. For Hungary, the road to Euro 2024 begins now, and with Rossi at the helm, they’ll be hoping to recapture the magic of 2016.

In the words of Rossi, “Football is about learning from your mistakes. We’ve made some this time, but we’ll learn from them and come back stronger.” It’s a sentiment echoed in the streets of Valletta, and one that Malta, too, should take to heart.