Opening night reviews are in: how Ireland's rescue act rated against Hungary
CLOSE THING: Ireland's Ryan Manning shows his frustration but his overall performance and role in Ireland's recovery made him the Republid's standout player on the night of their opening World Cup 2026 qualifier against Hungary at the Aviva Stadium. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
- Nowhere near either goal, both of which were finished well, and should feel aggrieved by the collective lack of concentration in front of him. Got down really well to deny the Hungarians a third before the break, and got in the way of two more efforts that could have made it 3-1 to the visitors. Man of the match contender.
- Forceful forward play to send in a threatening cross early on and flung in a series of long throws that gave minor cause for concern during the horrendous opening 45 minutes. The Everton player has made the right back spot his own — though he permitted too many crosses to be sent in. His own deliver, mind, looks a potential weapon for the Republic.
- Allowed Barnabas Varga behind for the opening goal. He has been around long enough to know and do so much better. One of several players whose club efforts are yet to be accurately translated when representing the national team.
- Beaten with alarming ease for Hungary’s second, the captain hesitated when seeing Roland Sallai run free in front of him and by the time he could react it was already far too late. Need for clearer communication across the back four must fall squarely on his shoulders. He was, at least, a notable presence when chasing the equaliser.
- A struggle. He half-cleared with a header in the lead up to the opener and formed part of a desperately slack defensive line. Wolves man then gave away a needless corner before the second while questions must be asked about his marking as well.
- A passenger for much of the first half but he did play a significant role by winning the second ball in the move that led to Evan Ferguson’s goal. Looks less sharp and confident than when he broke into the team – largely on account of injury problems.
- Midfielder lacked adventure on the rare chances he could move forward, notably slowing down a potential counterattack before choosing to take the safe, sideways option. In a first half where Ireland lacked control he must absorb a fair share of blame.
- Frozen on his spot to permit Callum Styles enough time and space to play in Varga for the first goal and made little impact on the ball. He has now won 43 caps but is yet to dictate an international to the same extent he frequently manages at Burnley.
- The standout. Showed some positivity when many of those around him had frozen in the early exchanges, took the free kick that kickstarted Ireland’s revival and not far from an equaliser with a headed attempt approaching the hour before delivering the cross for Adam Idah’s late leveller.
- Did not have a sniff until 38 minutes in when he shot well wide but the striker grew in stature and found himself in the right place to make it 1-2. Showed some sweet control, good link-up play and plenty of strength. Enough to be cautiously optimistic.
- Asleep for the opening goal, losing an even battle with Styles for the breaking ball weakly, and did not really get going in attack. Yet another who has shown so much more in a club shirt.
: (for Doherty, 66) Needs games to get back to 100 per cent following serious achilles injury but had a good shot saved. 5
(for Cullen, 66) Lively midfielder did enough to warrant a start on Tuesday evening.
(for Szmodics, 77) A couple of threatening runs caused the tiring visitors some reason to be concerned. 5.
(for Azaz, 77) A classic centre-forward’s goal to salvage a point. 6.
(for Knight, 90) Not on long enough to be rated.
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