Former Charlton goalkeeper Sasa Ilic believes European rookies Zalaegerszegi can do the impossible and dump Manchester United out of the Champions League in two weeks time. Ilic was one of the Hungarian team's heroes in Budapest last night as Bela Koplarovic bundled home the winner for a startling 1-0 win which caused shockwaves throughout Europe. The keeper was in inspired form throughout the game, denying David Beckham with a superb save after the England skipper had been sent clean through by Ruud van Nistelrooy.
At the final whistle, the home fans were able to celebrate the biggest day in Hungarian soccer since the national team qualified for the World Cup in 1986 and now Ilic is convinced that Zalaegerszegi can end United's European challenge before it has even begun.
"Why not?" he said. "It doesn't matter whether you earn £500 a week or £50,000, with a bit of luck anything is possible. We have come through the drizzle, now we have to prepare for the storm. Manchester United are in a different class but they underestimated us last night and if our players can take on board the reality of playing at Old Trafford in front of 66,000 fans we can do it."
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson claimed he was not surprised by the performance of the home team, even though the Scot saw his side pushed back for the majority of the opening period before taking control after the interval.
However, ZTE coach Peter Bozsik deployed smothering tactics to deny United's big names space and though they were fortunate to see their opponents spurn a number of chances, the Red Devils seemed to have settled for a draw before Koplarovic struck in the final minute.
"There are not many people in England who can say they have beaten Manchester United, so to do it with a Hungarian team is something special," said Ilic, who was attracted to ZTE by the bait of European action after being released by Charlton in the summer.
Filed by Ciaran Cronin
