Republic of Ireland’s FIFA World Cup dreams remain alive as Troy Parrott fired them into the playoffs after scoring a dramatic, late winner in a 3-2 win over Hungary in Budapest.
Parrott poked home the winner in the sixth minute of added time to stun the capacity crowd at Puskas Arena and spark Irish celebrations back home. It was his third goal in the game after scoring twice to help Ireland draw level after going down twice.
Seamus Coleman and Jake O’Brien started the match for the Boys in Green, knowing they had to beat Hungary to overtake their spot to secure a playoff spot for next summer’s finals in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. Everton goalkeeper Mark Travers was on the bench for this do-or-die encounter.
O’Brien played the first half, which saw Hungary take the lead through Daniel Lukacs in the third minute, before Parrott equalised from the penalty spot just 12 minutes later. However, Barnabas Varga’s stunning strike restored Hungary’s lead before the break.
Coleman came off at the hour mark as Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side continued to push for a positive result. Their hopes were renewed when Parrott struck 10 minutes before the end.
After substitute Johnny Kenny was denied by Hungary goalkeeper Denes Dibusz, Parrott – the two-goal hero against Portugal – poked home the winner and stunned the hosts into submission.
Ireland will now look to advance to the World Cup finals for the first time since 2002 when they compete in the playoffs in March.