Hungary boss Rossi: Ireland are 'frighteningly dangerous' from set-pieces

Dominik Szoboszlai of Hungary is shown a yellow card by referee Harm Osmer at the Aviva Stadium. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

What’s being billed as the biggest match in Hungary for 40 years could be decided on Sunday by Ireland’s set-piece supremacy, warns the hosts' manager Marco Rossi.

Whereas the second-placed Magyars were fortunate to emerge from Armenia with a narrow 1-0 win on Thursday, Ireland were emphatic 2-0 victors over top seeds Portugal.

Both rivals have it in their own hands to clinch the runners-up berth in their World Cup qualification group when they clash on Sunday afternoon at a full 67,000-seater Puskás Arena.

Neither will be able to qualify for the March playoffs through the Nations League, rendering this meeting a Cup final for entry.

Rossi noticed how Ireland’s corner-kick routine led to the first of Troy Parrott’s goals on Thursday. 

He cautioned against similar methods to avoid their dream of a first World Cup since 1986 being eliminated in the last of six group matches.

“We are under enormous pressure to reach the World Cup,” said Rossi, whose side have featured at the last three European Championships.

“The good news is that from this point of view, our opponent is in the same shoes, and the playoffs are at stake for them too.

“It is one of the most important 90 minutes of the recent period ahead of us but we shouldn't get too stressed.

“What we have to pay close attention to are the corners and free-kicks because Ireland is frighteningly dangerous from these.

“The Portuguese were also put in difficult situations in their last match. We prepared for them in light of these and I trust that we will be able to emerge victorious."

Rossi left Lansdowne Road in September fuming that his team squandered a 2-0 lead to claim a mere point. He also accused Ireland of being ‘rough’, a view he retains heading into the rematch.

“Ireland played hard in Dublin, having several rough tackles,” explained the Italian.

“I criticised the referee after the match and have maintained this opinion ever since. My statement was well-founded.

“I don't know how to prepare a team most effectively against such provocation. We also have to take on tough challenges without any fear. Based on the yellow cards we received and Roland Sallai's sending-off, it seemed Ireland were the rougher team.”