Troy Parrott delivered one of the most unforgettable performances in Republic of Ireland football history as he completed a remarkable hat trick with the final kick of the match, securing victory over Hungary and booking a place in the World Cup play off. The dramatic win came at the end of a tense night in Budapest, where the Irish team needed all three points to keep their hopes of reaching the global tournament alive.The Republic of Ireland entered the match with huge belief after a stunning two goal victory over Portugal. That result gave Heimir Hallgrimsson’s squad a genuine chance to reach the World Cup play off for the first time since their last appearance in the finals in 2002. However, their task quickly became more difficult when Daniel Lukacs guided a header into the net in only the fourth minute.Parrott brought the visitors level from the penalty spot after Chiedozie Ogbene was brought down in the area. But Hungary struck again through Barnabas Varga, whose powerful left footed effort restored the home side’s lead before the interval.
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The second half unfolded with immense pressure on the Irish players, who were fighting fatigue after their enormous effort against Portugal. Despite this, they continued to push forward and found renewed hope when Parrott guided a clever finish beyond Denes Dibusz with ten minutes remaining. The goal set up a breathtaking finale inside a stunned Puskas Arena.As time drifted deep into stoppage time, substitute Johnny Kenny saw a brilliant chance blocked by Dibusz. Moments later, Liam Scales flicked the ball into the area and Parrott reacted fastest, poking home from close range to claim his third goal and complete an extraordinary night. His stoppage time strike sent the Irish supporters into wild celebration and confirmed their place in the World Cup play off.For Hungary, led by Liverpool star Dominik Szoboszlai, the defeat was devastating as their long wait for a World Cup finals return continues. Meanwhile, Portugal confirmed top position in the group with a dominant nine to one win over Armenia.
What made the Republic of Ireland’s achievement even more remarkable was their rocky start to the campaign. They had collected only one point from their opening three matches, including a demoralizing loss to Armenia. Back to back home victories reignited their journey, though they once again conceded early in Budapest, echoing the previous meeting between the sides.The Irish team showed tremendous character. Adam Idah had a goal disallowed for offside, yet the players maintained belief. Parrott became the first Republic of Ireland player since Robbie Keane in 2014 to score a hat trick in a competitive match. He is also the first player in the nation’s history to score a hat trick away from home.The match also marked a milestone for Seamus Coleman, who became the oldest outfield Irish player to appear in a competitive match since Tony Cascarino in 1999.After the final whistle, Parrott described the occasion as a fairytale and the best night of his life. Manager Heimir Hallgrimsson praised the resilience and fearlessness of his team, noting that they pushed everything forward in pursuit of the World Cup play off dream.
source:BBC
