Northern Ireland were unable to turn a dominant display into victory as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Hungary in Belfast in their opening Group B2 match of the Nations League.
Michael O’Neill’s side created the clearer opportunities, with Patrick Kelly twice coming close in the first half and Isaac Price denied by Balazs Toth late on. Hungary, the higher-ranked team, struggled to threaten for long periods and finished with only one shot on target.
The result means Northern Ireland have lost just one of their past 10 matches in Belfast. Pierce Charles made an important save from Alex Toth in the closing stages to secure his fifth clean sheet in seven competitive appearances for his country.
Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai had little influence on the game, although one of his most notable moments came when he helped raise the noise levels inside Windsor Park.
Northern Ireland returned to their home ground for the first time in 315 days after Friday’s last-gasp 1-0 victory in Tbilisi. They began with an aggressive press, forcing hurried passes from Hungary’s defence and creating early openings for Ethan Galbraith and Price.
Trai Hume then sent a shot narrowly wide from the edge of the penalty area before Kelly missed Northern Ireland’s best opportunity after the half-hour mark. Price played the ball through to the Barnsley midfielder, who attempted to lift a finish over Blackburn’s Balazs Toth but failed to give it enough height with the goal exposed.
Kelly came even closer soon afterwards. Tom Atcheson flicked on a long throw from Ciaron Brown, and the ball fell to Kelly after Shea Charles was unable to reach it while challenging Milos Kerkez. Despite being off balance, Kelly managed to send his effort looping on to the top of the crossbar.
Hungary struggled to handle Northern Ireland’s physical approach and frustration began to show. Jamie Donley was booked, becoming the third home player to receive a yellow card, before O’Neill was also cautioned for protesting. The first half ended in further confrontation after Shea Charles challenged Daniel Lukacs for a high ball.
Hungary improved after the interval. Schafer fired wide from inside the box and later missed the target from distance following a short free-kick, while Donat Barany headed over from a corner.
Northern Ireland found it more difficult to advance than they had before the break, although Price created a late chance when he turned away from Kerkez after a free-kick was delivered into the area. His effort was saved by Balazs Toth at the near post.
Hungary threatened during the final stages, but Ruairi McConville blocked Willi Orban’s close-range strike and Pierce Charles kept out Alex Toth’s powerful effort.
The main frustration for O’Neill was the disciplinary count: Shea Charles, Jamie Donley, Isaac Price and Ethan Galbraith were booked, along with the Northern Ireland manager.
