Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai experienced a devastating reversal of fortune on Sunday, as his jubilant celebration was swiftly followed by a heartbreaking defeat that ended Hungary's hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup.
Dream Start Turns Sour in Budapest
The crucial qualifier in Budapest began perfectly for the home side, with Daniel Lukacs firing Hungary into a third-minute lead. After Irish substitute Troy Parrott equalised, Barnabas Varga restored Hungary's advantage, prompting wild celebrations from the team.
It was during this celebration that Szoboszlai was captured on camera making a controversial gesture, waving his hand near his nose and wiggling his fingers towards the Hungary bench. This act was immediately interpreted by many fans and pundits as mocking the Irish opponents.
Dramatic Irish Comeback Seals Hungarian Fate
The joy was short-lived. In a stunning late turnaround, Troy Parrott completed his hat-trick with goals in the 80th and 96th minutes, securing a dramatic 3-2 victory for the Republic of Ireland. The final whistle saw a distraught Szoboszlai reduced to tears on the pitch, his World Cup dreams shattered.
The nature of the loss prompted immediate criticism on social media, with one fan commenting: "Szoboszlai did a clown celebration against Ireland just for his World Cup hopes to be ended in the 96th minute.. Never celebrate too early!"
Fallout and Pundit Reaction
The drama extended beyond the pitch. Former Premier League striker Kevin Doyle, working as a pundit for RTE Sports, appeared to aim a furious outburst at the Liverpool star during the post-match coverage. He was seen wheeling around the studio and was alleged to have said: "Suck on that you Liverpool c***." Doyle later apologised to fellow pundit and former Liverpool player Didi Hamann.
In a brief and emotional post-match interview, a visibly hurting Szoboszlai struggled to analyse the defeat. When asked if football could be unfair, the midfielder simply replied, "It looks like it, yes."
Szoboszlai and his international teammate Milos Kerkez must now regroup quickly as they return to club duty. They are expected to feature for Liverpool against Nottingham Forest at Anfield this weekend, where they will aim to channel their international disappointment into a positive performance for Arne Slot's side.
