EURO 2016 Back on the continental stage for the first time in 44 years, Hungary defeated 10-man Austria 2-0 in their Euro 2016 opener yesterday.

Adam Szalai opened the scoring in the 62nd minute for Hungary, who were making their third Euro appearance following 1964 and 1972.

Austria saw Aleksandar Dragovic get sent off in the 66th minute after a second warning in the Group F encounter at Stade de Bordeaux.

And Zoltan Stieber secured the victory with his fancy chip over Austria's keeper Robert Almer in the 87th minute for the Hungarians.

Austria remain winless in Euro history, having picked up a draw against Poland and losses against Croatia and Germany as Euro 2008 co-hosts.

It was the neighours' 138th showdown, but the first Austria v Hungary match-up in a final tournament since 1934.

The kick-off meant a new European Championship record as Hungary's keeper Gabor Kiraly became the oldest player in the competition's history at 40 years, 74 days.

Serious scare

Kiraly, the first 40-year-old to ever play at a Euro, surpassed the mark previously held by Germany's Lothar Matthaeus, who was 39 years, 91 days when he played his final game at Euro 2000.

Austrian star David Alaba gave the record-setting Kiraly a serious scare just 32 seconds into the match, hammering a left foot blast off the right post.

A minute later, Austria keeper Robert Almer had it easy corralling Laszlo Kleinheisler's shot from 25 yards out.

Alaba tested Kiraly again in the 10th minute with a low strike but the keeper was quick enough to get down for the save.

The Hungarian veteran was too strong again at the 35-minute mark, diving to his left to save Zlatko Junuzovic's attempt.

Hungary were close in the 43rd minute but captain Balazs Dzsudzsak's shot from the right side dribbled wide of the far left post.

The Bursaspor forward tested Almer 10 minutes after the re-start with a big blast but the Austrian keeper stood perfectly.

The Hungarians grabbed the lead in the 62nd minute with some fine passing. Szalai went one-two with Laszlo Kleinheisler and then got a through ball back and poked it past Almer.

Austria's comeback attempt proved more difficult after the 66th minute when the alpine nation went a man down as Dragovic was warned a second time.

Despite being a man down, the Austrians created a good chance in the 73rd minute only to see substitute Marcel Sabitzer shoot well over the bar.

Hungary decided the game for good in the 87th minute on a counter attack with Stieber running onto a long ball and coolly chipping over Almer.

- dpa