Adam Szalai's first-half goal was enough for Hungary to beat Faroe Islands 1-0 at the Torsvollor Stadium tonight for their first win in Euro 2016 qualifying.
The Hoffenheim striker notched in the 21st minute to put the visitors ahead, but the Faroe Islands did not fold and came close to earning their first point in five competitive matches.
The hosts surprised Hungary with a bright start during which Hallur Hansson had a shot well blocked by Tamas Kadar and Joan Edmundsson headed a good chance over the crossbar.
Hungary's opening goal came against the run of play as Szalai squeezed a shot past former Manchester City keeper Gunnar Nielsen at the near post from a tight angle, following a Balazs Dzsudzsak corner.
Nielsen saved from Daniel Tozser, Jozsef Varga and Nermanja Nikolic in the next 10 minutes to ensure that the minnows were only 1-0 down and still in the contest when the half-time whistle was blown.
The Faroe Islands were again quick out of the blocks after the restart, with Brandur Olsen forcing a decent save out of Hungary keeper Denes Dibusz before heading narrowly wide to the left of goal.
Hungary had few opportunities to kill off the minnows until Szalai and Dzsudzsak worked Nielsen late on, but the goalkeeper's performance ended up meaning little as the hosts could not find an equaliser.
Attila Pinter's side have four points from three games, while Faroe Islands are yet to get off the mark in Group F.
