Victory for Venables

Australia beat Hungary 3-1 in a friendly in Budapest yesterday, the best result for Terry Venables since he took over as national coach. Australia owed their victory to two late goals, the first scored by Kevin Muscat, the Crystal Palace defender.

The result spoiled the 70th birthday celebrations of Ferenc Puskas, Hungary's most famous player, who had kicked off the match. Puskas also received the Olympic Order medal from Juan Antonio Samaranch, president of the International Olympic Committee. Other guests at the game included Alfredo di Stefano, who played alongside the Hungarian for Real Madrid, and Sir Bert Millichip, the former chairman of the Football Association.

Aurelio Vidmar gave Australia the lead in the sixth minute with a header from a corner. Laszlo Klausz equalised in the 33rd minute, scoring from the edge of the penalty area, but the Australians remained in control.

However, it seemed that Venables would have to settle for a draw in the first meeting between the two countries. However, in the 89th minute Muscat restored the Australians' lead with a goal from 15 yards and Vidmar added his second of the match in injury time.