Parrott hat-trick sends Ireland into play-off in Budapest
Parrott's 90+6 goal completed a historic away hat-trick and sent Ireland into the World Cup play-offs; Hallgrimsson's side have won three games in a row for the first time since qualifying for the 2018 tournament.
In the 90+6 minute at Puskas Arena, Troy Parrott swooped in after Liam Scales' header to complete his hat-trick and secure the Republic of Ireland's place in the World Cup play-offs. The 23-year-old striker had earlier equalised from the penalty spot and levelled the score at 2-2 in the 80th minute, capping off a dramatic night of comebacks in Budapest.
90+6 moments and coldness at the climaxes
With the game behind early, Parrott kept his nerve in the penalty situation to pull Ireland back. When Barnabas Varga fired a beautiful shot to make it 2-1 for Hungary in the 37th minute, Ireland still kept up the chase. In the 80th minute, Parrott chose a smart position, finishing delicately to make it 2-2. The climax came in the 90+6 minute: Johnny Kenny missed a golden opportunity, but just a few seconds later, from Scales' wall, Parrott rushed in to finish the home team in a loud bang.
Main events
- Hungary opened the scoring early.
- Parrott equalized 1-1 on penalties.
- Barnabas Varga made it 2-1 for Hungary in the 37th minute.
- Parrott equalized 2-2 in the 80th minute.
- Parrott sealed the win in the 90+6 minute after Liam Scales' pass.
Parrott rewrites history in 72 hours
Just three days earlier, Parrott had scored twice as Ireland beat Portugal to keep their hopes alive. In Budapest, he became the first Irish player to score three away goals in a competitive game. The AZ Alkmaar striker’s hat-trick capped off a tumultuous qualifying campaign, but when the team needed it most.
“It’s really emotional. These are happy tears,” Parrott said. “I love where I come from. My family is here. I haven’t cried in a long time – I can’t believe it. Tonight is unbelievable.”
Hallgrimsson's revival and mark
Ireland’s journey has not been smooth: they drew at home to Hungary and then lost to Armenia in Yerevan. In Lisbon, when Ruben Neves scored a late header, hope seemed lost. But the team bounced back strongly: they paid Armenia back, beat Portugal by a landslide and overcame Hungary in a thrilling encounter, prolonging their World Cup dream after 24 years.
It has been a transformation under coach Heimir Hallgrimsson. From being under pressure at the beginning of the campaign after replacing Stephen Kenny, the Icelandic coach has led the team to three consecutive victories for the first time since the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, and stands a chance to do the same as his predecessors Jack Charlton or Mick McCarthy.
“This is not a time to look for heroes,” Hallgrimsson stressed. “Success comes from spirit, togetherness and the constant effort of the whole team. We are on the right track – and every game will be bigger than the last.” He added: “Hopefully in 10 years people will say ‘these guys started it’. Success is not about one moment, it’s about the journey on the right path.”
Background and impact
Ireland will enter the play-offs in a two-legged knockout format in March, meaning they will either lose or win – a far cry from their previous two-legged appearance. Their last appearance in the play-offs was in 2017, when they lost 5-1 over two legs to Denmark. The play-off draw is next Thursday. With the current momentum, Ireland can be confident of a new chapter.
Selected statistics
- Troy Parrott: the first Irish player to score a hat-trick away from home in a competitive match.
- Ireland's first three-game winning streak since 2018 World Cup qualifying.
- Most recent play-off: Ireland lost 1-5 to Denmark in 2017 over two legs.
- Current format: 2 knockout matches in March; draw takes place next Thursday.
The Budapest night began with anxiety and ended with tears of joy. In 72 hours, Parrott went from saviour against Portugal to symbol of belief at Puskas Arena. Ireland’s World Cup story has a long way to go, but it now has a glorious opening chapter.
