Sporting KC’s Nemeth takes a step closer to EURO 2016

Sporting Kansas City forward Krisztian Nemeth looks likelier than ever to be present at the finals of the world’s second biggest soccer tournament, EURO 2016.

The Sporting star was in the Hungarian line up for the first leg of the playoffs at Norway’s Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo.

The Magyars took a surprise away lead in the 24th minute with a goal from Puskas FC’s Lazlo Kleinheisler. His weak shot crossed the line after the surprisingly floppy right hand of Norway’s keeper Orjan Nyland failed to sufficiently divert it.

The home side dominated the second half and amid increasingly desperate appeals for penalties had a shot cleared off the Hungarian line. The crossbar saved Nemeth’s side in the 88th minute as Norway piled on the pressure.

Hungary’s tentativeness was exacerbated by having three players treading on one yellow card throughout the entirety of the second half. One of them, Zoltan Gera will already miss the second leg on Sunday.

The three other first leg ties see Bosnia host the Irish Republic, Ukraine host Slovenia and Sweden host neighbours Denmark.

Prost Amerika international correspondent will be reporting from Bosnia and Sweden o those ties.

In Africa, Gabriel Zakuani, brother of ex Sounder Steve, had a good day when his DR Congo side won 2-3 in Burundi. Tim Cahill was on target for Australia in their 3-0 win over Kyrgyzistan as Asian qualification began.

Related:

MLS Stars who may play in Euro 2016