Marco Rossi: Aviva battle will be decided by an 'episode'

Head coach Marco Rossi during a Hungary media conference at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile

Hungary manager Marco Rossi reckons Saturday's battle for a World Cup play-off spot will be decided by an “episode”.

Discounting any rivals’ chances of usurping Portugal for the one ticket to next year’s tournament, he’s circled the pair of matches against Ireland as pivotal to settling the runners-up duel.

“We studied really Ireland since they changed the coach,” Rossi said about Heimir Hallgrimsson’s tenure.

“We know how they play we know all the players who play until now.

“We know also the way which they could play tomorrow, everything can change, I cannot read the mind of my colleague.

“Tomorrow, I don’t think there will be many surprises on the pitch.

“I am expecting match will be balanced and will be decided by an episode, and we have to do everything to bring this episode on our side.” 

Stereotypes got the customary mention.

“Ireland is a solid and physical team,” said Rossi.

“They play direct football in general but can also manage ball possession for some moments in the team.

“They are different to Scotland, who we played at the Euros, but they have five players from English Premier League, one from Serie A and 12 or more from championship.

“We know the intensity of the match will be really high.” 

Despite leading Hungary to the last two of their three Euros in a row, and beating England 4-0, Rossi still puts Cristiano Ronaldo’s side in the league of their own.

“We have spoken about this: we have to think in our group, Portugal are on another level even if we will try our best in every match. I think the fight for second place could be between us and Ireland, with respect to Armenia.” 

 The presence of prime minister Viktor Orbán in Dublin, for the football match and not political talks, underlines the importance to a football-mad nation.

Their wait since 1986 surpassed the pining Ireland fans are felling for a World Cup appearance since 2002.

“I know how important this match for the Hungarian fans,” said the Italian in charge since 2008. “From July seven years ago, I couldn’t have more motivation than 100%.

“That motivation I had since the first time I sat on this bench against Finland and it cannot be increased, even for this World Cup qualifier.”