Parrott Hat-trick as Republic of Ireland Stun Hungary to Reach World Cup Play-offs

Troy Parrott completed a hat-trick with virtually the last kick of the game as the Republic of Ireland came from behind to beat Hungary and reach the World Cup play-offs in the most dramatic fashion.

Having kept their dream of returning to the finals for the first time since 2002 alive with a stunning 2-0 win over Portugal on Thursday, Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side needed a win in Budapest to secure a spot in the play-offs.

Daniel Lukacs’ fourth-minute header gave Hungary the ideal start, and while Troy Parrott’s penalty brought the Irish level, Barnabas Varga’s stunning strike restored the home side’s lead before the break.

In a nail-biting second half, Parrott’s deft finish 10 minutes from time gave the Republic of Ireland renewed hope.

And after substitute Johnny Kenny was denied by Hungary goalkeeper Denes Dibusz, Parrott – the two-goal hero against Portugal – poked home the winner in the 96th-minute to spark ecstatic Irish celebrations at a stunned Puskas Arena.

It is heartache for Hungary – captained by Liverpool star Dominik Szoboszlai – as their wait for a first World Cup finals appearance since 1986 goes on.

Portugal thrashed Armenia 9-1 in Sunday’s other Group F fixture to seal top spot and a place in next year’s finals in North America.

Analysis: Parrott again the hero in famous Irish triumph

That the Republic of Ireland even had the chance to make the play-offs next March was remarkable.

After picking up just one point from the first three games – a loss to Armenia unquestionably the low-point – the Irish breathed new life into their campaign with home victories over Armenia and Portugal.

But, ninety minutes from an unlikely play-off, they gave themselves a mountain to climb during a shaky start in the Hungarian capital.

Just as they did in the home match with Hungary in September, they fell behind early when Lukacs’ header survived a VAR review for offside.

The Irish response to that early setback was admirable, with Parrott confidently slotting a penalty home after Chiedozie Ogbene was fouled by Attila Szalai in the box.

A fizzing left-footed strike from Varga put Hungary back on course for the play-offs, but the Republic of Ireland had not read the script.

Having expended immense amounts of energy to beat Portugal, the Irish players battled fatigue and refused to give in, with Adam Idah having a goal ruled out for offside.

But Parrott beat the trap to lift a deft shot over Dibusz and popped up again with seconds remaining to poke home Liam Scales’ knock-on and send the Irish team and travelling fans into delirium after becoming the first Republic of Ireland player to score a hat-trick in a competitive game since Robbie Keane in 2014.

For Parrott, it caps the best week of his career. With Evan Ferguson injured, the AZ Alkmaar stunned Portugal with two goals and eclipsed that performance to keep the Republic of Ireland’s dream alive.

Credit, too, should go to Caoimhin Kelleher. The Brentford goalkeeper has been the Republic of Ireland’s most consistent player throughout the campaign and produced excellent saves to twice deny Roland Sallai and keep the visitors in the game before the Parrott-led turnaround.

‘It is a fairytale’ – what they said

Troy Parrott, speaking to RTE: “I said against Portugal that this is what dreams are made of, but I think tonight, I will never have a better night in my whole life.

“It is a fairytale. You can’t even dream about something like that.

“I have no words to describe the emotions right now.”

Heimir Hallgrimsson, speaking to RTE: “It was a strange game.

“We seemed to be nervous at the beginning, struggling with movements and defending too late and not aggressive enough.

“We put in everything and threw in three strikers in the end.

“The guys deserved what happened and congratulations to the Irish nation for having the guys.”

Source: BBC