Hungary v Ireland player ratings: Parrott the star as Boys in Green seal stunning win in Hungary
Troy Parrott celebrates after scoring his side's late winner. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Ireland’s best player across the entire campaign. Exceptional point-blank save from Roland Sallai in the 28th minute and also got a crucial late palm in the way of former clubmate Dominik Szoboszlai. Not much he could have done for either Hungary goal. Cleaned up everything else that came his way.
Spurned a glorious chance to make it 2-2 on the cusp of half time but could not find the target. Defensively sound with the exception of one loose touch that he compensated for with a professional foul. Surprisingly substituted at the break.
Made a major misjudgment by standing off Varga as Hungary’s striker made it 2-1. The finish was exceptional but if Ireland’s captain had closed quickly he would never have had the opportunity.
Committed the initial foul on Sallai, 30 seconds in, that led to the series of set-pieces for Daniel Lukacs’ early goal and also culpable for not committing to shutting down Varga for the second. Between those goals he was very good and flashed in a late cross that brought panic but the errors are what will be remembered.
Used his experience to keep the ball for a period before Troy Parrott’s leveller and gave everything before finally running out of gas nearing the hour mark. He had long departed but at least the dream of a World Cup remains alive.
Quite good in difficult circumstances, with the game’s undisputable star in Dominik Szoboszlai immediately up against him. Set-piece deliveries were good, he was defensively efficient and made a couple of notable passes forward to set away rare Irish breaks. Booked late on for a cynical pull.
Replays suggested he had just about kept Lukacs onside for the opening goal. Did what he is good at well but was never going to be in a position where he could make an impact on Ireland going forward. Substituted on the hour.
Disappointing clearance led to the corner from which Hungary opened their account but he more than made up for it by assisting Parrott for the winner. Could have no complaints when booked for a late challenge on Varga.
Would he have made it 2-2 had his hamstring not betrayed him? He won the penalty, bringing a careless foul from the dire Attila Szalai, and seemed Ireland’s only outlet for much of the first half. So cruel to see him off with another injury.
Terrible first half, an excellent second. He looked a decent bet to be hooked at the interval having repeatedly lost possession but then seemed a man transformed. Played a wonderful pass to Ogbene before he pulled up hamstrung and provided the assist for Parrott’s second equaliser before also setting up Johnny Kenny for that last-gasp opportunity.
Simply outstanding. He did very little between the goals. Then again he scored three of them. The penalty was nerveless, tucked into the bottom left corner, following a lengthy wait. He then proceeded to do very little before a beautiful equaliser and then he found himself in the right place again to score a goal that will be remembered forever irrespective of what happens in March.
(for O’Brien h-t) Proactive going forward, defensively dependable. A couple of deadball deliveries caused problems during the late surge for a winner.
(for Ogbene, 53) Two of his three most notable moments were offside – the first a great finish, the second a lovely pass to find Parrott. The third was a foul in the box three minutes into added time.
(for Coleman, 60) The end product may remain raw but he does not stop trying and was key to building the late pressure. Booked. 6 Johnny Kenny (for Molumby, 60) A dream debut but it could have even better since he was denied from being the hero in the opening seconds of added time by a stunning save from Denes Dibusz.
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