Troy Parrott hit a stunning hat-trick to help Ireland secure a World Cup play-off place in a dramatic qualifier at the Puskas Arena in Budapest.
The former Tottenham striker produced one of the great individual displays in recent Irish history, hauling his side level twice before striking a stoppage-time winner that sealed a 3-2 victory and ended Hungary’s hopes of reaching next summer’s finals.
The result confirmed Ireland in second place in Group F, with Portugal finishing as group winners.
Hungary struck after four minutes through Daniel Lukacs, punishing Ireland’s slow start and lifting a fierce home crowd. Ireland equalised from the penalty spot soon after, only for Barnabas Varga to restore Hungary’s lead before the interval with a sharp finish that pushed the visitors back towards elimination.
The momentum shifted early in the second half as Ireland pressed for the goal that would revive their qualification hopes.
Parrott brought them level for a second time midway through the half with a composed strike that steadied Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side and turned the contest in their favour.
Troy Parrott hit a stunning hat-trick to help Ireland secure a World Cup play-off place in a dramatic qualifier at the Puskas Arena
The result ends Hungary’s hopes of qualifying for next summer’s World Cup in North America
With news from elsewhere confirming that a win would secure their play-off place, Ireland increased the tempo and forced Hungary deep into their defensive third.
The hosts, who needed victory themselves to keep their World Cup hopes alive, struggled to regain control as the visitors pushed forward.
The breakthrough arrived in stoppage time when Parrott prodded the ball home from close range to complete his hat-trick, sparking jubilant celebrations among the travelling support and leaving Hungary’s players distraught at full time.
Hallgrimsson admitted his side had contributed to a chaotic night but praised the players’ response to the early setbacks.
‘It was a strange game,’ he told RTE post-match. ‘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.’
Former Ireland captain Roy Keane hailed the victory as a ‘fantastic’ achievement, given the side’s poor start to qualification.
‘They’ve recovered brilliantly,’ he said on ITV. ‘To win today, on the back of the Portugal result, is fantastic. It’s a great boost for the country
‘The manager was heavily criticised, Parrott got a hat-trick – there was always a lot of talk about him but he’s stepped up over the last few days. Great achievement.
‘Fingers crossed now, of course, for the play-offs.’
