Image Credits: Imago Images
Dominik Szoboszlai and Milos Kerkez experienced a day to forget as a late winner sent them tumbling out of the running for a place in next year’s tournament.
Hungary needed a win to keep their World Cup hopes alive and they seemed to be on their way to doing that as they headed into half-time 2-1 up.
However, a late brace from Troy Parrott, with his winner coming in the 96th minute, sent the Republic of Ireland fans delirious and broke Hungarian hearts.
The victory for Republic of Ireland seals second place for them in the group and gives them a play-off game in March to reach the World Cup.
Szoboszlai and Kerkez both played individually good games, with the duo grabbing an assist each, but they could do nothing to get in the way of Parrott poking home seconds from time.
A devastating result for the Liverpool duo, who had both played so well in the run up to the game, leading Hungary’s charge to what would’ve been their first World Cup since 1986.
To give more context, Portugal are heading to the World Cup after they topped Group F.
The late Troy Parrott goal ensures Republic of Ireland just pip Hungary to second place, which hands them a play-off in March to reach the tournament in North America next year.
Hungary miss out as they finish third while Armenia prop up the group in fourth place.
Whilst internally success on the international stage for Liverpool players can only be seen as a positive, Liverpool may also be silently happy with the idea that two of their key players now have the summer off.
It means Szoboszlai and Kerkez can have a full pre-season with the club and come back well rested and energised ahead of the new season.
There is no doubt that they will be gutted that they won’t be heading to America next summer though.
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