Football
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Gabor Kiraly could become European Championship's oldest ever player

Hungary goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly will become the oldest player to ever participate in a European Championship if he plays at next summer's finals.

Kiraly, who will turn 40 on April 1, helped his nation progress past Norway in the playoffs on Sunday to qualify for a first European Championship since 1972 and a first major tournament since the 1986 World Cup.

The former Crystal Palace player won his 100th cap in last week's 1-0 first-leg victory in Norway and added his 101st cap in Sunday's 2-1 second-leg win.

Kiraly, who returned to Hungary to play for Haladas after a short spell at Fulham during the 2014-2015 season, is set to beat Lothar Matthaus' record as the oldest player at a European Championship.

The former Germany captain was just over 39 years old when the Nationalmannschaft crashed out of Euro 2000 at the group stage.

Although Matthaus would remain the oldest outfield player, Kiraly -- set to be 40 years and 70 days old when the tournament in France kicks off -- would surpass him should he feature for Hungary.

"It was a sensational success, just incredible," Kiraly told Bild of Hungary's qualification for Euro 2016. "But it wasn't a coincidence. We have worked hard for it."

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