Tears of Joy as Ireland Stun Hungary to Stay in World Cup Race

Published: 17 November 2025 Monday. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

A rollercoaster 72 hours of football climaxed in pure emotion for the Republic of Ireland as they kept their World Cup dream alive in dramatic fashion. At the heart of the celebration was 23-year-old striker Jason Parrott, whose performance against Hungary on Thursday night captured the imagination of a nation and left the young Dubliner openly moved, tears streaming down his face in a moment of unbridled joy.

Parrott had already become the hero of the campaign after a stunning display against Portugal just days earlier, scoring twice to send Ireland to the brink of the play-offs. But in Budapest, carrying the hopes of an entire country on his shoulders, he delivered once more in spectacular fashion. His hat-trick, achieved on foreign soil in a competitive match, marked a historic first for the Republic of Ireland and cemented his place in Irish football lore.

The match against Hungary at Puskas Arena began with the Irish conceding an early goal, Daniel Lukacs’ header putting the hosts ahead and threatening to unravel Ireland’s fragile play-off aspirations. Yet Parrott remained composed under pressure, converting a penalty to equalise and restore belief. Hungary responded with a spectacular strike from Barnabas Varga, regaining the lead, only for Parrott to once again level the score with a deft finish ten minutes from time.

The drama reached its zenith in the final moments. Substitute Johnny Kenny had been denied a decisive goal, but Parrott seized the opportunity when Liam Scales’ header found him in the box. With calm precision, he poked the ball past the Hungarian goalkeeper, triggering a heart-stopping finale. His celebration, arms aloft in ecstasy, mirrored the euphoria of fans watching across Ireland, many of whom had held their breath until the final whistle.

In an interview with RTE following the match, Parrott reflected on the overwhelming emotions of the evening. “I’m really, really emotional. They’re tears of joy. Ah, what a night, what a night,” he said. The AZ Alkmaar striker, leading the line in the absence of Evan Ferguson, described the experience as a “fairy tale,” adding, “This is why we love football, because things like this can happen. I love where I’m from, so this means the world to me. Everyone is crying. I really, really can’t believe it.”

Parrott’s contribution to Ireland’s campaign has been monumental. After a difficult start, which included a draw against Hungary in Dublin and a disappointing defeat by Armenia in Yerevan, the team seemed to be faltering. A late header from Ruben Neves had dashed hopes in Lisbon, leaving the nation’s dream teetering precariously. But Parrott’s resurgence, along with inspired performances from his teammates, turned the tide. Ireland exacted revenge on Armenia, then followed with memorable victories over Portugal and Hungary, keeping alive a 24-year-long dream of World Cup football.

Head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson, who had faced intense scrutiny during the early stages of the campaign, praised his squad’s resilience and unity. The Icelandic manager, appointed as a surprise successor to Stephen Kenny, has transformed a team under pressure into a unit capable of historic feats. “This moment shouldn’t be about finding heroes; it should be about this team, the spirit, this unity and hard work the guys showed,” Hallgrimsson said. “Portugal was big, this was bigger, and the next one will be even bigger.”

Hallgrimsson, who famously guided Iceland to their first-ever World Cup appearance in 2018, spoke about the significance of the moment beyond a single game. He emphasised that success is a journey, not a single event, and highlighted the importance of growth for the team and Irish football as a whole. “I hope in ten years, people will look back and say, ‘these guys started this, that’s the team that started this journey.’ Success is not a place and a moment; success is a constant journey in the right direction.”

The Republic of Ireland now face two single-leg play-off matches in March to secure a place at the World Cup in North America next summer. The pressure will be immense, but Parrott and his teammates carry renewed optimism after a qualification campaign defined by highs, lows, and unforgettable moments. The play-off path will be revealed on Thursday, but for now, the focus is on celebrating the perseverance, talent, and sheer determination that has brought them this far.

Parrott’s hat-trick against Hungary did more than secure a result; it captured the imagination of a nation starved of international footballing success in recent years. It was the culmination of a campaign that tested the mental and physical resolve of every player, from the opening qualifier to the nail-biting finale in Budapest. The striker’s composure in the dying moments, his awareness in positioning, and clinical finishing showcased a player capable of carrying a nation’s hopes on his shoulders — and delivering when it mattered most.

The response from fans across Ireland was immediate and passionate. From the streets of Dublin to small towns and villages across the country, supporters celebrated Parrott’s heroics and the team’s remarkable turnaround. For many, the match was not just about football; it represented hope, unity, and the enduring possibility of achieving something extraordinary against the odds. Social media erupted with messages of congratulations and pride, with fans describing the night as “one for the history books” and “a moment Irish football will never forget.”

Off the pitch, Hallgrimsson reflected on the collective effort required to reach this point. The Icelandic manager’s tactical acumen, ability to motivate players, and emphasis on team cohesion have been instrumental in transforming a squad under pressure into one capable of delivering memorable results. “It is a moment when we should think about where we are, it is a possibility to grow and from this we can help this team, Irish football, the federation,” he said. “If we qualify for the World Cup, things might change big time.”

Looking back on the campaign, the Republic of Ireland’s journey has been a study in resilience and adaptation. Early setbacks could have derailed the team entirely, but a combination of strategic planning, inspirational performances, and unwavering belief in the squad’s abilities allowed them to recover and, ultimately, flourish. Parrott’s personal journey from promising striker to national hero embodies that transformation, a narrative of hard work, talent, and seizing the moment.

For Parrott, the experience has been deeply personal as well as professional. Speaking to reporters after the match, he reflected on his pride in representing his country and the overwhelming support of his family, who were present to witness history in the making. “This is the first time I’ve cried in years,” he admitted. “I said against Portugal that this is what dreams are made of, but tonight, I don’t think I’ll ever have a better night in my whole life. Honestly, I have no words to describe my emotions right now.”

As the team prepares for the next stage of qualification, the focus will shift from celebration to preparation. Two high-stakes matches lie ahead, each requiring focus, resilience, and composure under pressure. Yet the confidence and momentum gained from Parrott’s heroics, coupled with the collective spirit of the squad, provide a strong foundation on which to build. The Republic of Ireland approaches the next chapter of their World Cup journey with the knowledge that they can rise to the occasion when it matters most.

For fans and players alike, the night in Budapest will be remembered as a defining moment — not just for the hat-trick or the victory, but for the embodiment of a team that refused to give up, a nation that cheered with hope, and a player who delivered a performance for the ages. It was a testament to the power of sport to unite, inspire, and create memories that endure far beyond the final whistle.