Troy Parrott delivered a sensational, stoppage-time winner to complete a stunning hat-trick and fire the Republic of Ireland into the World Cup play-offs with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Hungary in Budapest.
A Dream Start for the Hosts
The match at the Puskas Arena began in nightmare fashion for the Irish, as Hungary took the lead after just three minutes. Captain Dominik Szoboszlai combined with Milos Kerkez before whipping in a cross for Daniel Lukacs to head past goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
Ireland were handed a route back into the game when a VAR review confirmed a penalty for Attila Szalai's challenge on Chiedozie Ogbene. Troy Parrott calmly converted the spot-kick to level the scores, showing immense composure.
Hungary Strike Back Before the Break
With a draw enough to see them through, Hungary expertly slowed the tempo, but they showed their threat again just before half-time. In the 37th minute, Barnabas Varga unleashed a spectacular left-footed drive from 20 yards that flew past Kelleher, restoring the home side's lead.
Irish hopes suffered another blow when winger Ogbene was forced off with a hamstring injury, replaced by Adam Idah. As the second half progressed, with Liverpool's Szoboszlai pulling the strings, Ireland's quest for the necessary three points looked increasingly unlikely.
Parrott's Priceless Late Show
The momentum shifted decisively in the final ten minutes. First, Parrott expertly controlled a chipped pass from Finn Azaz before lofting the ball over goalkeeper Denes Dibusz to make it 2-2 with 80 minutes on the clock.
As the game entered the sixth minute of stoppage time, Ireland launched one final assault. A long ball into the box was knocked down by Liam Scales, and Troy Parrott was there to stab the ball home, completing his hat-trick and snatching an unforgettable victory.
The result means the Republic of Ireland finish second in their group behind Portugal, who thrashed Armenia 9-1, and will now take part in the World Cup play-offs in March, while Hungary's dreams are over.
