There were dramatic minutes on the sidelines: A medical emergency involving former Bundesliga winner Adam Szalai interrupted the Nations League match between the Netherlands and Hungary for more than ten minutes.
Suddenly everything else became irrelevant. The match between the Netherlands and Hungary in Amsterdam (4-0) was interrupted for almost a quarter of an hour on Saturday evening because former Bundesliga striker Adam Szalai collapsed on the support bench.
Referee Jesus Gil Manzano immediately stopped the game and the rest of the Hungarian support team placed a screen around the 36-year-old. Many players on the pitch watched the dramatic scenes with anxious looks, and some Dutch players let the ball circulate in the center circle.
After about 13 minutes, after the Hungarian team asked for their consent, things continued – directly with a handball penalty and the resulting 1-0 to the Netherlands after VAR intervention. Just before the game was interrupted, Hungarian Tamas Nikitscher touched the ball with his hand in the penalty area after a cross. As a result, the game went more clearly towards Oranje.
“Stable and conscious”
“Adam Szalai fell ill in the first minute of the Netherlands-Hungary match, but his condition is stable and he is conscious,” said the Hungarian Football Association via X in the first half: “A few minutes ago he was taken to the hospital. in ambulance Transported to Amsterdam hospital for examination.” National coach Marco Rossi later said: “Adam is no longer in danger, we wish him all the best.”
276-time Bundesliga player (54 goals for 1. FSV Mainz 05, FC Schalke 04, TSG Hoffenheim and Hannover 96) ended his career in June 2023 after a period at FC Basel and was part of a team Hungary’s training at the away game. in the Netherlands.
Szoboszlai: “We continued to play for Adam”
After the final whistle, Hungary captain Dominik Szoboszlai spoke about the impact the incident had on his team’s performance: “I don’t want anyone to have to go through what we had to do. We kept going playing for Adam. It’s clear that what happened had an impact on our performance that wasn’t enough today.”
Meanwhile, Braunschweig striker Levente Szabo was allowed to make his senior national team debut in unpleasant conditions when he was substituted after an hour. “Adam Szalai is a true role model. We hope he comes back,” Szabo said, but above all he dedicated himself to someone else.
Nagelsmann and former clubs wish him a speedy recovery
German national coach Julian Nagelsmann also said RTL: “I hope he gets well again quickly. This is a former player with whom I have a very good relationship,” he said after the DFB team’s 7-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Mainz, Schalke and Hoffenheim also contacted us via X that evening and wished their former professional a speedy and full recovery. “Our thoughts are with you, Adam,” the 05ers wrote.
How can football leagues improve their protocols for player health and safety during matches?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Sports Medical Expert, Dr. Lydia Fischer
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, Dr. Fischer. Thank you for joining us today. We just witnessed a rather alarming incident during the Nations League match between the Netherlands and Hungary, where former Bundesliga player Adam Szalai collapsed on the sidelines. Can you provide some insights into what could have happened?
Dr. Lydia Fischer: Good afternoon! Thank you for having me. What happened with Adam Szalai is indeed concerning. It is crucial to understand that athletes, regardless of their fitness levels, can experience medical emergencies, including cardiac episodes, dehydration, or even stress-related illnesses during high-pressure situations.
Time.news Editor: It must have been quite alarming for everyone on the field. How do you think the players reacted to Szalai’s collapse, especially given the competitive environment?
Dr. Lydia Fischer: Absolutely, the players were visibly anxious during the incident. They’re human, after all, and witnessing a colleague in distress can be emotionally overwhelming. The immediate reaction of the referee to halt the game was essential. It not only shows the importance of player safety but also allows for an atmosphere where players can gather their thoughts and focus on the well-being of their teammate.
Time.news Editor: The Hungarian Football Association reported that Szalai’s condition was stable and that he was conscious after being taken to the hospital. What does this imply about his situation?
Dr. Lydia Fischer: This is encouraging news. Being conscious and stable generally suggests that immediate life-threatening issues have been ruled out, but the medical team will continue to monitor him closely for any underlying conditions or causes of collapse. Follow-up evaluations such as cardiac tests or further examinations may be necessary to ensure long-term health.
Time.news Editor: It’s interesting that the game resumed after about 13 minutes with a penalty awarded to the Netherlands. How important is it for teams and referees to strike a balance between the competitive nature of the sport and the health of players?
Dr. Lydia Fischer: That balance is critical. The health and safety of players should always come first. However, the emotional investment and competitive spirit often complicate these situations. Referees and officials need to be trained to recognize when a pause is needed, but they also have to ensure that the game continues in an orderly manner once any emergencies are addressed. Communication between teams, officials, and medical staff is vital here.
Time.news Editor: In light of such incidents, what preventative measures can football leagues adopt to ensure players’ health is prioritized during matches?
Dr. Lydia Fischer: There are several steps leagues could take. Regular health screenings and fitness assessments for players are essential. Additionally, ensuring that medical staff are always on hand during matches, and that they have protocols in place for when emergencies occur, is crucial. Training players in recognizing signs of distress in themselves and their teammates can also make a significant difference.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Fischer. Your insights have certainly shed light on the seriousness of these situations. We wish Adam Szalai a swift and complete recovery.
Dr. Lydia Fischer: Thank you, and let’s hope for the best for him and that such incidents remain rare in the sport.