Hungary drew level on points with second-placed Sweden in Group E after

snatching a late winner over the Scandinavian side in their Euro 2012 qualifier

in Budapest tonight.

The clash had looked set to finish in a draw after Christian Wilhelmsson's

60th-minute goal cancelled out Imre Szabics' opener for Hungary just before

half-time.

However, there was to be a late twist in the tale as Hungary, who missed an

early penalty through Tamas Hajnal, claimed the points when Gergely Rudolf

netted a 90th-minute clincher.

Hungary and Sweden now both have 15 points in Group E, although the latter have

played a game less. Holland lead the way with a 100% record.

Sweden had netted nine times in their previous two qualifiers against Finland

and Moldova and they came closest to breaking the deadlock first tonight when

Zlatan Ibrahimovic tried his luck in the sixth minute, his effort going wide.

Andreas Granqvist then sent a header wide from Kim Kallstrom's free-kick before

Hungary earned themselves a great chance to take the lead after being awarded a

19th-minute penalty.

Oscar Wendt was penalised for a handball inside the area but the visitors were

let off the hook as Hajnal's resulting spot-kick hit the crossbar.

Sweden looked determined to make the most of that escape and they came within a

whisker of taking the lead in the 26th minute when Johan Elmander's shot hit the

post.

Elmander saw another effort go over before Kallstrom's 25-yard kick was tipped

around the post by Hungary goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly.

It would be Hungary celebrating a half-time lead, however, as Szabics got on

the end of Rudolf's pass to slot past Andreas Isaksson.

That 44th-minute goal was the perfect way for Hungary to end the first half,

and they looked set to build on that momentum at the start of the second period

with Isaksson being called on to deny Rudolf and Hajnal in quick succession.

Sweden were creating chances of their own again soon enough, though, and after

Ibrahimovic had brought a save from Kiraly, the visitors equalised when

Wilhelmsson tucked home Elmander's pass.

Sweden pushed for a winner but they would end up empty-handed after Rudolf

struck for Hungary in the 90th minute, the striker firing into the roof of the

net from close range following a cross from Tamas Priskin.