Sun Nov 16 14:20:00 UTC 2025: Republic of Ireland’s World Cup Hopes Hang in the Balance After Draw With Hungary
Budapest, Hungary – The Republic of Ireland’s quest for a World Cup play-off spot suffered a setback after a 1-1 draw against Hungary in their Group F qualifier. Daniel Lukacs stunned the visitors with a goal in the third minute, but Troy Parrott leveled from the penalty spot in the 15th minute after Chiedozie Ogbene was fouled in the box.
The draw leaves Ireland needing a win in their remaining game to have a chance at a play-off berth.
Despite the early setback, Ireland responded well, with Parrott’s confidently taken penalty injecting new life into the game. However, Ireland were also indebted to goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, who pulled off a stunning point-blank save to deny Roland Sallai and maintain the scoreline at 1-1.
Former Republic of Ireland midfielder Ray Houghton praised Kelleher’s save as “world-class.”
Meanwhile, in Porto, Portugal took a commanding lead against Armenia and were on track to secure their place at next year’s World Cup.
Heimir Hallgrímsson made one change to the Ireland starting eleven that defeated Portugal, bringing in Jayson Molumby for Jack Taylor.
First Piper 