Dominik Szoboszlai was unable to inspire Hungary to progress in the World Cup qualifying phase after suffering late heartache against the Republic of Ireland.
An emotional Dominik Szoboszlai exit after Hungary failed to qualify for the World Cup.
Dominik Szoboszlai was visibly emotional after Hungary failed to qualify for the World Cup
View 2 Images
Liverpool midfielder and Hungary captain Dominik Szoboszlai has apologised after suffering World Cup heartache. The 25-year-old was left crestfallen after Troy Parrott's hat-trick downed Marco Rossi's side as the Republic of Ireland star ended their hopes of progression with a 96th-minute winner in Budapest.
Hungary needed to avoid defeat in order to move in the playoff rounds for this summer's World Cup. They got off to a strong start against Ireland with Szoboszlai providing an assist for Daniel Lukacs' opener before his Liverpool teammate Milos Kerkez was the architect for Barnabas Varga's effort to restore their lead after 37 minutes.
Szoboszlai was visibly upset after they relinquished their lead after AZ Alkmaar striker, Parrott, scored twice in the dying embers to break the hearts of the Hungarians.
On Monday, the Reds star finally broke his silence as he issued an apology to the people of Hungary. He said: "It hurts. It hurts because we really wanted it!
"Not only for us but for you too. For you, who are always by our side and would accompany us to the end of the world.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
"As Team Captain, I'm sorry I didn't make it this time... Very proud of all players, staff and coaches. I love being Hungarian, even when life tests me. Someday every detail will fall into place, that's why we work again and again. You are, what is mine.
"We owe you and us a World Cup! The work has begun again.
"I love you Hungary!"
The Liverpool midfielder has come under fire after enduring World Cup heartache. The former RB Leipzig star was the subject of an X-rated quip from former Premier League striker Kevin Doyle, who poked fun after their qualification disappointment.
The 42-year-old raced around RTE studios before directing a gesture towards, it is assumed, a monitor showing the match, where he appears to say: "Suck on that you Liverpool c***," before apologising to former Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann, who was also a pundit for their coverage.
Dominik Szobszolai upset
A visbily upset Dominik Szoboszlai after Hungary failed to qualify for the World Cup.
View 2 Images
But there has been a split on the internet after the Hungary captain was accused of directing a gesture at Ireland's expense.
The midfielder was caught during the broadcast with his hand on his nose, pulling a mocking face. However, following the release of pitchside footage, Szoboszlai has been defended with the suggestion that he was directing the jest towards the home bench.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.