United midfielder Zoltán Stieber looks to help his country rebound from a difficult defeat as Hungary host the Faroe Islands in Budapest on Tuesday at 2:45 p.m. ET for their second World Cup Qualifier of the international break. The Hungarians’ 2018 World Cup hopes were dealt a significant blow following Saturday’s 5-2 loss to Switzerland, and they will need a win to stay in contention for a UEFA runner-up bid.
Entering Tuesday, Hungary sit third in UEFA’s Group B table with 10 points, well behind leaders Switzerland and Portugal, and one point up on the Faroe Islands. Against the Swiss, Hungary struggled to stifle the Schweizer Nati attack from the start, surrendering two goals in the first 20 minutes. By the time Hungary responded with a Richard Guzmics strike in the second half, the match was well out of reach.
The Hungarians are expected to fare better against their next opponent, a side they tied in June of 2016 in their first game of the World Cup Qualifying cycle. Offensive consistency has been a challenge, though, as Hungary have scored 13 goals in nine qualifying matches and have a goal differential of -1.
After sitting against Switzerland, Stieber could help energize a Hungarian attack in desperate need of an offensive spark and a win.
