Tensions will be running on high on Sunday when Hungary host Ireland in Budapest, with a World Cup playoff spot on the line.
The hosts know they need only avoid defeat to secure their place in the playoffs – but equally know a defeat will see Ireland finish second, and Hungary’s wait for a World Cup appearance extend to 44 years.
Recommended
If Hungary are to win, they will need to avoid the same fate befalling them as did in September’s return fixture in Dublin.
The Magyars made a stunning start in the Aviva, and led 2-0 at half-time, before Evan Ferguson nabbed one back for Ireland shortly after the break. The game would then turn on its head with the dismissal of Hungary star Rolland Sallai on a straight red card.
6 September 2025; Referee Harm Osmer shows a straight red card to Roland Sallai of Hungary, 20, during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F qualifying match between Republic of Ireland and Hungary at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
That was to begin an extraordinary run that has seen Ireland’s opponents reduced to ten in each of their three home games this campaign.
Of course, the most notable came on Thursday with the early bath for none other than Cristiano Ronaldo, but Armenia also had Tigran Barseghyan sent off in last month’s game in Dublin.
It’s a remarkable trend that has no doubt aided Ireland in bringing this qualifying campaign to the final day – however, Hungary star Bendeguz Bolla has claimed that the Boys in Green have instigated these dismissals by “provoking” opponents.
READ HERE: Damien Duff Delivers LOI Return Revelation Months After Shels Exit
READ HERE: Ireland U17s Had Perfect Response To Shootout Antics Of Canadian Goalkeeper
Hungary star claims Irish players ‘provoke’ opponents
Adding a bit of bite to the pre-match tension ahead of Ireland’s D-Day in Budapest, Hungary’s Bendeguz Bolla has accused Heimir HallgrÃmsson’s side of provocation, after three red cards for their opponents in three home games.
“Of course we have noticed that they like provoking their opponents,” Bolla told the Irish media who have travelled to Budapest for Sunday’s game.
We can never afford to retaliate or make mistakes, like in the first match when we played with a numerical disadvantage.
The point was echoed by his manager Paolo Rossi, who suggested his players were well “aware” of Ireland’s alleged tactics.
“I don’t think we have to make our players aware of provocation,” Hungary boss Rossi said.
“The Irish, like all the British players, they do their job on the pitch, it will be not a question for us, we will only be focused on what we have to do, be aggressive as well, going into the crashes, the duels and tackles, with no fear.”
The conflation with “British” tactics is one that Irish football fans will be regrettably familiar with.
However, the suggestion that Ireland have provoked their opponents int the qualifying group into the violent incidents that have brought three red cards will raise a few eyebrows.
Of course, a healthy amount of shithousery can only help a team fighting against the odds to reach a World Cup, but the suggestion of outright provocation adds another edge to Sunday’s mouthwatering fixture.
2pm in the Puskas Arena is set to be a blockbuster.
SEE ALSO: The Resolute Ireland Team We Think Can Secure Unlikely Playoff In Budapest
