International roundup: Sporting Kansas City's Krisztian Nemeth records brace for Hungary in Euro qualifier

Krisztian Nemeth - Sporting Kansas City - Close up

Krisztian Nemeth just scores goals – no matter the competition.


The Sporting Kansas City forward bagged a second-half brace for Hungary in their Euro 2016 qualifier Sunday against Greece. His goals in the 54th and 75th minutes gave Hungary 2-1 and then 3-2 leads before Greece eventually rallied to a dramatic 4-3 victory in Piraeus.

Nemeth has now scored five goals across three different competitions over the last month, two in MLS play, including the late winner in Sporting’s 1-0 win last weekend over the Portland Timbers, and the game-tying goal in their US Open Cup triumph Sept. 30 over the Philadelphia Union.  


Hungary finished third in Group F and will have to win a playoff to advance to next year’s Euros.



Elsewhere in Euro qualifiers, LA Galaxy striker Robbie Keane was unable to push the Republic of Ireland to automatic Euro 16 qualification, coming on the second half Sunday with his team trailing 2-1 in an eventual loss by the same scoreline to Poland in Warsaw.


Keane had a shot in 35 minutes of work, but Robert Lewandowski’s 42nd-minute winner gave Poland their Euros ticket with Group D’s second spot, a point behind Germany. Ireland finished third, forcing them into a playoff for tournament qualification.


On Saturday, Toronto FC attacker Sebastian Giovinco came on as a second-half substitute in Italy’s 3-1 victory over Azerbaijan as the Azzurri secured their trip to Euro 2016.