You may get a big shock, Norway

“We couldn’t have dreamed of a better opponent.” “People here don’t know a single member of their team.” “They are not on a level that justifies them being in the playoffs.” “This is good, very, very good.” You can take one guess: the football experts of which country made the above statements after the UEFA draw pitched Hungary against Norway in the playoff round to qualify for the 2016 European Championships in France. A hint: it wasn’t Hungary. You should know that I sort of stopped being a big supporter of the national football team a few years ago. Before that I was there at every home game always hoping that this would be the year. Then it somehow all went away. It seemed to me that wearing the jersey of the national team became more of a burden than an honour for our players and I just couldn’t cope with that. I still feel that, but after hearing these statements I’m starting to get a bit furious. I’ll be the first one to admit that the Hungarian squad is not the best in the world, but hearing stuff like this from a country where team members include players such as Aleesami, Hovland, Skjelbred and the world-famous Forren is kind of annoying. Coincidentally, it is this same mentality that makes me believe the disdained Hungary has a chance in this matchup. The first leg will be in Norway and if we can come home with a decent result – I’m hoping for a surprise draw – the 20,000 fans in Groupama Arena could power the team forward to upset their pompous, Norwegian behinds.