Dominik Szoboszlai was devastated after his Hungarian team dramatically missed out on a World Cup play-off spot to the Republic of Ireland. Troy Parrott emerged as Ireland’s hero, scoring a sensational hat-trick in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Hungary in Budapest.
Parrott equalized twice, first denying Dani Lukacs’ first-half header with a penalty, then reacting to Barnabas Varga’s excellent first-half goal. A harrowing finish snatched an unlikely victory six minutes into stoppage time and all they needed was three points to keep Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side’s dreams alive.
When the final whistle blew, Hungary missed out on their first World Cup appearance since 1986, leaving Szoboszlai and his Liverpool colleague Milos Kerkes in shock.
Ireland took part in the play-offs in March in place of Hungary, securing second place behind Portugal, who beat Armenia 9-1 to take top spot.
The hosts, who had previously led 2-0 within 15 minutes in Dublin but were ultimately tied for a 2-2 draw, started well again and took the lead just three minutes into the game.
Captain Szoboszlai played a short pass to Kerkes and sent a cross to the near post, where Lukacs headed the ball past goalkeeper Caoichhin Kelleher for the opening goal.
Ireland had a great chance to equalize when Norwegian referee Espen Escas was advised to review Attila Chalai’s challenge on Chiedzie Ogbene when forward Attila Chalai chased down Dara O’Shea’s long ball.
Escazu ultimately awarded the penalty, and Parrott, whose brace against Portugal set up the final day’s clash at the Puskas Arena, took his time and calmly slotted past Denes Dibus for the penalty.
Knowing that a draw would be enough, Hungary, especially Szoboszlai, slowed their pace and held onto the ball, frustrating their rivals.
However, after 28 minutes the team picked up the tempo and it took a great save from Kelleher to deny Roland Szaray from close range after Szoboszlai’s shot from Lukács’ cross from the right.
Ireland’s direct style of play was causing problems for the Hungarians, but they were put on the back foot again in the 37th minute when Varga controlled a Kerkes cross 20 yards out, turned and sent a left-footed rocket high past Kelleher.
Ireland’s situation worsened when Ogbene stood up clutching his hamstring as he chased down a tempting through ball from Parrott.
Adam Idah was introduced as a forward for Sheffield United, but Ireland’s hopes looked increasingly bleak as Liverpool’s Szoboszlai displayed all his skills.
Aida found the back of the net in the 57th minute, but Kelleher thwarted Sarai’s brave attempt, and in the 80th minute Parrott expertly controlled a lofted pass from Finn Azaz and chipped the ball over Dibusch to level the score at 2-2.
Kelleher made a late save from Szoboszlai, and despite Dibusch denying Johnny Kenny’s last-minute winner in a late surge, he was helpless when Parrott latched onto a knockdown from Liam Scales to score the decisive winning goal.
