his first international goal on 10 October in an UEFA Euro 2000 qualifier against Azerbaijan, in the 58th minute of a 4–0 triumph. Often cast as starting central midfielder alongside Krisztián Lisztes, under managers Bertalan Bicskei and Imre Gellei, Dárdai captained the national side seven times in 2006, netting twice. On 15 November 2006, he was not included in Péter Várhidi's provisional 25-man squad for the Euro 2008 qualifying phase, but featured in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign as Hungary was now managed by Erwin Koeman. Managerial career 2012–2015: Hertha BSC In 2012, Dárdai began working as a coach at Hertha BSC, his assistants at the under-15 team being Admir Hamžagić and Jochem Ziegert. 2014–15: Hungary On 18 September 2014, Dárdai was appointed as interim manager of the Hungary national team. He turned down an offer from the Hungarian Football Federation ("MLSZ") to manage the side on a permanent basis, with the former's president Sándor Csányi confirming the latter would be in charge of three Euro 2016 qualifying matches for free. On 23 September 2014, Zsolt Lőw, assistant coach of Red Bull Salzburg, was not permitted by his club to join Dárdai's coaching staff in the same capacity. The latter's debut took place on 11 October against Romania, a 1–1 draw in Bucharest. Three days later, he managed his first win, prevailing 1–0 away against the Faroe Islands; he said after the second match that "the minimum aims were to get the three points". Former international István Sallói said in an interview with Nemzeti Sport in October 2014 that, "Dárdai is the only chance for Hungarian football." The former was appointed by the latter as the aid to map the opponents of the national team, and also said, "In the last ten days it became incredible clear what type of work I have to do." On 14 November 2014, Hungary won their first home match under Dárdai by beating Finland 1–0 thanks to Zoltán Gera's 84th-minute goal in the Euro 2016 qualifier at the Groupama Arena in Budapest. The following month, the MLSZ announced Dárdai would remain as manager until 30 November 2015, and he admitted that his son influenced him in making the decision by saying, "You have to return because without you they are not going to win." After returning to Hertha BSC, Dárdai was replaced as Hungary manager by his former mentor, Bernd Storck. In