Ireland went straight to elimination, Hungary to the play-offs, but Troy Parrott became a hero for the whole people. This week, the AZ Alkmaar striker scored a hat-trick to allow the “Boys in Green” to topple Hungary and shake up the Group F standings.
At kick-off, Magyars were second, one unit ahead of Ireland, third. Some 95 minutes of play later, it was still happening. Hungary had led twice (3rd, 37th), but Parrott managed to equalize on consecutive occasions (15th, 80th). But it’s still not enough and Ireland are heading towards elimination from the 2026 World Cup race.
Already scored two goals against Portugal
However, from the center line in the 90+6 minute, goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher sent a long, desperate pass towards the Hungarian penalty box. Turned after an aerial duel, the inflator landed at the 23 year old striker’s feet. Or rather, the Dublin native rushed to beat the defense and goalkeeper at 5.50m, pushed the ball into the net, Ireland in the play-offs and took off his jersey in wild celebration.
The Puskas Arena in Budapest fell silent, unlike the park of the “Boys in Green” supporters and the entire “Eire” squad who threw themselves at the national heroes. Especially since Parrott launched a rescue operation in the penultimate game of the playoffs. He scored twice against Portugal (2-0) on Thursday. Thus, he delayed Portugal’s qualification and kept his country alive. Three days later, he changed the experiment.
