Parrott’s 96th-minute winner sends Republic of Ireland to 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.
Source: BBC
