PARROTT'S HATTRICK HEROICS SECURES PLAYOFF PLACE

Troy Parrott celebrating with his teammates after an inspired hattrick to secure Ireland victory

Troy Parrott's 96th minute goal secured the Republic of Ireland a Playoff spot in the World Cup Qualifying as their dream of reaching the finals remains alive.

A day that couldn't have started much worse for Heimir Hallgrimsson's side as Daniel Lukacs 3rd minute effort gave the hosts the lead at the Puskas Arena.

Questions for asked about the validity of the Hungary opener, with some suggesting Lukacs scored from an offside position. A quick look from the VAR and the goal was given.

Despite the disappointing start, Ireland found their equaliser on 15 minutes when Troy Parrott fired in from the penalty spot. The penalty given to Ireland after Chiedozie Ogbene was brought down by Attila Szalai inside the Hungary box.

Despite the leveler, Ireland struggled on with Hungary dominating the majority of the game following the 1-1 scoreline was established.

Bernabas Varga provided an incredible moment for the home crowd when his smasher of an effort arrowed into the top corner giving Hungary the lead for the second time in the match.

A lead which Hungary maintained until the final 10 minutes when Ireland's magic number 7 came alive to inspire one of the biggest comebacks in the country's qualifying history.

A low key goal that fired Ireland level again when Parrott lobbed past Dibusz to make it 2-2, sent the travelling Ireland fans into further delight and excitement.

Hungary tried to make a moment for themselves to regain the lead for a third time however it was Ireland to set the mood for the 5 additional minutes, throwing everything at the Hungarian defense.

When it all looked like Hungary had hung on, Caoimhin Kelleher fired forward to invite one final opportunity for Ireland.

Troy Parrott taking a selfie with the match ball after his winning hattrick

Once again after Liam Scales' flick on header, Troy Parrott stretched forward to poke the ball past Dibusz and deliver the magic touch on a memorable afternoon in Budapest.

The victory was Ireland's 3rd in succession after their 2-0 win against Portugal at the Aviva Stadium on Thursday, securing 2nd place in the group and offering a Playoff place for Ireland.

Ireland will now await the remaining results of the groups over the next days to see who they will face in the Playoffs with a chance to secure a place at the World Cup Finals next summer.

The playoffs will consist of a semi-final and a final in which Ireland will need to progress to secure a spot in North America.

The playoffs take place during the March International break, early next year, ahead of the Finals which begin on June 11, 2026.

Can The Boys in Green complete a similar feat to that of 2002, the last time Ireland reached a World Cup finals, a competition which they reached via the Playoffs.

Can Heimir Hallgrimsson's side use that as an omen for reaching the World Cup finals in 2026 and a first international tournament for Ireland since 2016?