Al Gharafa’ s star striker Krisztián Németh is set to represent his native Hungary at the upcoming Euro 2016 tournament in France. QSL online sat down with the former Sporting Kansas City striker for an exclusive interview about the first few months with Al Gharafa, along with the European Championships with Hungary; The first time his country have been in the tournament since 1972.
 
Németh has made an immediate impact at his new side since moving in late January. Seven goals in just ten QSL games, added much needed firepower to the Al Gharafa frontline. “I have settled quickly at Gharafa, I have played in many countries before so I knew I could adapt. The coach and the players have welcomed me and I am comfortable at Al Gharafa” admitted Németh.


 
The Cheetah’s eventually ended the season in ninth place, however with the addition of head coach Pedro Caixinia and winger Vladimir Weiss along with Németh in January lead to an upturn in form with many pundits predicting a strong 2016/2017 season for one of the QSL’s most successful sides.
 
Despite being in Qatar for a few months, Németh has seen plenty of potential in the QSL; “Of course the league is growing and developing, but you can see plenty of good things in terms of football here. I am just learning about football in Qatar really, I believe we can build on this half season at Gharafa to something better next time.”
 
With Németh quickly finding his feet on the pitch, the Hungarian international had some warm words for team mate, Vladimir Weiss who will also be appearing at the Euro 2016 tournament with Slovakia. “Vladimir Weiss is a great example for the QSL as a young player who has a real talent and he has shown his qualities in the league and has won trophies with Lekhwiya. He has plenty of skills and is a top player; he has certainly helped me settle in Qatar.”


 
Talk turned to the upcoming European Championships in France, which will be the first time Hungary has appeared in the competition since 1972 where they eventually finished in fourth place. Whilst Hungary is perhaps best known for its magical side in the 1950’s, Németh is clear that this generation will do the country proud in France. “Hungary has a rich footballing history, and it’s important to celebrate that, but as a group we are only looking forward. Our past can certainly motivate us to achieve our goals at Euro 2016.”
 
Focusing on Group F, Understandably the tie against Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo is one tie that Németh relishing the most. “I have plenty of respect for Ronaldo, but on the pitch he is a normal player. When you face great players it give you the motivation to do better, Hungary certainly want to show what we can do at the European Championships.”
 
Concluding our interview and Al Gharafa’s star striker certainly believes his side can get into the knockout stages. “Realistically we have to look for a point against Austria, and then a win against Iceland ideally. Then with the Portugal game, anything can happen, with three teams potentially qualifying we have a chance. Then if we get into the knockout stages, it’s all about luck.”
 
 Hungary certainly have the potential to be dark horses if they progress from Group F. With a confident Krisztián Németh representing the QSL, you wouldn’t be surprised if this current crop of Hungarian players didn’t pull of some shock results at Euro 2016.