Bordeaux (AFP) – Hungary coach Bernd Storck showered praise on 40-year-old goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly after he became the oldest player in European Championship history in Tuesday’s shock 2-0 win over neighbours Austria.
Kiraly, famous for his grey tracksuit trousers, celebrated the record-breaking occasion by keeping a clean sheet as he eclipsed the old mark set by Germany’s Lothar Matthaus, who was 39 when he played at Euro 2000.
“He was chosen in goal because he’s a great player,” said Storck.
“I never said I had old players, I have good players. I still think he’s one of the best players in the world.
“He contributed to this victory, keeping the clean sheet. He led the team to the win and was rewarded for all his hard work over the years.”
Second-half goals from Adam Szalai and Zoltan Stieber steered Hungary to an opening win in Group F, their first victory at the tournament since they finished third in 1964.
Hungary, who are appearing at their first major finals since the 1986 World Cup, will target a place in the last 16 when they take on Iceland in Marseille on Saturday.
