Troy Parrott completed a hat-trick with virtually the last kick of the game as the Republic of Ireland came from behind to beat Hungary and reach the World Cup play-offs in the most dramatic fashion.
Having kept their dream alive with a stunning 2-0 win over Portugal on Thursday, Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side needed a win in Budapest to secure a spot in the play-offs.
Daniel Lukacs’ fourth-minute header gave Hungary the ideal start, and while Troy Parrott’s penalty brought the Irish level, Barnabas Varga’s stunning strike restored the home side’s lead before the break.
In a nail-biting second half, Parrott’s deft finish 10 minutes from time gave the Republic of Ireland renewed hope.
And after substitute Johnny Kenny was denied by Hungary goalkeeper Denes Dibusz, Parrott – the two-goal hero against Portugal – poked home the winner in the 96th-minute to spark ecstatic Irish celebrations at Puskas Arena.
More to follow.