Overview
- Troy Parrott scored all three goals in a 3-2 win over Hungary in Budapest, finishing the winner in the 96th minute after a long ball from goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher.
- The victory secured Ireland second place in Group F and a place in the World Cup play-offs, with the draw scheduled in Zurich on Thursday.
- Parrott had already struck twice in a 2-0 defeat of Portugal earlier in the international window to revive Ireland's qualifying bid after a poor start.
- Visibly emotional on RTE Sport after the match, Parrott said he could not believe the outcome and called it a reminder of why people love football.
- In club football Parrott has been prolific for AZ Alkmaar this season after years of loans from Tottenham, with notable scoring runs in the Conference League qualifiers and the Eredivisie.