Troy Parrott hat-trick knocks Hungary out, snatches World Cup play-off spot in 96th minute

Republic of Ireland kept their World Cup hopes alive in the most dramatic fashion as Troy Parrott dragged them into the play-offs and knocked Hungary out of contention.

Hungary only needed a draw to secure second place in Group F and had spent most of the final minutes protecting the point that would have sent them into next year’s play-offs.

They looked comfortable enough at 2-1 up at half-time and appeared content to run down the clock against an Ireland side who had emptied their tanks to upset Portugal in their last game.

Their caution proved fatal when Parrott delivered another late intervention that turned a settled contest on its head and rewrote the group standings with the last meaningful action of the night.

Hungary had taken the perfect early grip on the game when Daniel Lukacs reacted sharply to flick in a short corner routine inside four minutes, capitalising on a sluggish start from the visitors.

Ireland responded with a level of composure that kept them alive, and Parrott’s penalty on 15 minutes provided a foothold after Chiedozie Ogbene was brought down in the box.

Hungary restored their advantage before half-time as Barnabas Varga controlled a high ball on the edge of the area and sent a fierce left-footed strike into the top corner.

Caoimhin Kelleher had earlier denied Roland Sallai with a close-range save and continued to keep Ireland in the contest during a spell when Hungary looked poised to close out the match on their own terms.

Ireland carried little momentum into the final stages but still found a route back when Parrott broke the line with 10 minutes left and calmly guided a finish into the far corner.

Hungary reacted by retreating into shape, protecting what they believed would be the result that secured their passage at Ireland’s expense.

Their resistance held until the sixth minute of added time when Liam Scales directed a header into a crowded six-yard box and Parrott reacted first to stab the ball past Denes Dibusz.

It completed a remarkable turnaround for an Ireland side who had taken only one point from their opening three qualifiers before reviving their campaign with a late surge.

Parrott has now scored five goals in two games, and his decisive strike ensured Ireland finished above Hungary and earned a place in March’s play-offs.

Hungary, who had been seconds away from finishing runners-up, were left to reflect on a night when caution cost them a World Cup lifeline.