Hungary’s Coach Adam Szalai Collapses During UEFA Nations League Match Against Netherlands in Amsterdam, Halting Game for Medical Emergency

Saturday’s UEFA Nations League match between the Netherlands and Hungary took an unexpected and tense turn when the game was halted for over 10 minutes due to a medical emergency.

This occurred early in the match when Hungary’s coach, Adam Szalai, collapsed on the sidelines.

Eyewitnesses speculated that he may have suffered a seizure.

Immediate Response and Support

The referee, Jesus Gil Manzano, quickly stopped play as Szalai received urgent medical attention.

A medical tent was set up around him to provide treatment.

Both teams’ players and staff were visibly shaken by the incident, with Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai notably seen in tears.

However, after a few tense moments, Hungary’s captain, Szoboszlai, and his teammates made the decision to resume the match, despite the unsettling event.

The Game Resumes

As play resumed, the Netherlands wasted no time in making an impact.

Wout Weghorst, formerly of Manchester United, converted a penalty kick to give the Dutch a 1-0 lead almost immediately after the restart.

Hungary’s spirits were dampened further when, after another penalty, Cody Gakpo of Liverpool extended the Netherlands’ lead to 2-0 before halftime.

Szalai’s Condition and Recovery

Soon after the game resumed, Hungary’s football association released a statement on social media.

It confirmed that Szalai had fallen ill early in the match but assured fans that he was stable, conscious, and had been transported to a hospital in Amsterdam for further examination.

Szalai, 36, had an impressive career as a striker, scoring 26 goals in 86 senior appearances for Hungary between 2009 and 2022.

After retiring in July, he joined the Hungarian coaching staff in October.

His first match in the role ended in a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands.

Netherlands Secures Victory

Despite the emotional setback, the match continued with more goals for the Netherlands.

Denzel Dumfries added a third goal midway through the second half, sealing Hungary’s fate.

Teun Koopmeiners finished the scoring late in the game, giving the Netherlands a commanding 4-0 victory.

Group Standings and What’s Next?

With the win, the Netherlands secured second place in League A, Group 3, while Hungary finished third.

Both teams still have one match left to play: Hungary will host Germany, the group leaders, on Tuesday, and the Netherlands will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in Zenica.