Zoltan Gera got on the scoresheet as Hungary cemented their place at the top of World Cup Qualifying Group One with a relatively straightforward 3-0 win over Malta.
The hosts made the perfect start with just six minutes played when Tamas Hajnal curled in a superb free-kick.
Gera did not start the match but came on as a substiute and made the most of his opportunity by scoring the vital second for Hungary after an hour. Szabolcs Huszti’s dangerous cross was inviting and was headed home by a delighted Gera.
The Hungarians were now in control – in contrast to earlier in the game when Malta had their fair share of the play – and gave the scoreline a more convincing look when Roland Juhasz headed home an injury-time free-kick. With this victory, Hungary top the group on 13 points and have a handy seven point advantage over the two favourites to qualify when the group started – Portugal and Sweden – as well as Albania, who have also amassed six points.
