Troy Parrott scored a dramatic last-minute winner to secure a 3-2 victory over Hungary in Budapest, sending the Republic of Ireland into the World Cup play-offs. The AZ Alkmaar striker completed his hat-trick in the 95th minute, sparking wild celebrations among the Irish contingent.
Ireland needed to win to keep their qualification hopes alive, and they twice came from behind. Daniel Lukacs opened the scoring for Hungary with an early header, but Parrott equalised from the penalty spot in the 15th minute. Barnabas Varga restored Hungary's lead with a stunning first-half strike, before Parrott levelled again in the 80th minute.
With seconds remaining in stoppage time, Parrott poked home the winner, securing Ireland's place in March's play-offs. The 23-year-old, who also scored twice in the 2-0 win over Portugal on Thursday, was visibly emotional after the match, telling RTE: 'I'm really, really emotional. They're tears of joy. Ah, what a night.'
Ireland finished second in Group F behind Portugal, who beat Armenia 9-1 to top the group. The play-offs will feature 16 European teams, with single-leg knockout matches determining the four final spots in the World Cup. Ireland will discover their play-off opponents on 20 November.
For Hungary, the defeat was heartbreaking, as they had been the better side for much of the game. They finish third in the group and will miss out on the World Cup, extending their absence since 1986.
