International Friendly Review
Wales came from behind to beat Hungary 2-1 in the Ferenc Puskas Stadium, but the hard-fought win, Wales' first away victory in 18 months, was marred by clashes after the final whistle in which Hungary coach Lothar Matthaus claimed punches were thrown.
Wales, who had gone into the game without ten first choice players, lost their skipper Gary Speed with a stomach bug, just before kick-off. Hungary took the lead with a 17th minute penalty, converted by Kristian Kenesei, after Krisztian Lisztes had been brought down by defender Danny Gabbidon.
But Wales soon levelled when Jason Koumas fired home a superb 20th minute free kick to register his first goal for his country.
The rest of the game was littered with niggles and free kicks but the winner, when it came, was worthy of the victory. Cardiff City striker Robert Earnshaw claimed his fourth goal in his last two internationals when he latched on to a mis-placed pass to fire home the winner, past Gabor Babos, nine minutes from time.
Hungary coach Matthaus confronted Wales midfielder Robbie Savage after the final whistle and accused the Welsh players of throwing punches, but Welsh boss Mark Hughes refuted the allegations and preferred to heap praise on his players for keeping their cool.
"There were things going on out there, off the ball, that really upset my players," said Hughes "Hungary completely lost their discipline towards the end and my players kept their nerve really well. It was quite dangerous out there at times. Some of the tackles flying around were career threatening."
Hughes reserved extra praise for the players who had stepped into the breach created by so many withdrawals, saying: "We were down to the bare bones out there but the lads who came in were superb magnificent.
"I thought the players were magnificent. I have got some very proud players and that showed in their performances tonight."
