That the Republic of Ireland even had the chance to make the play-offs next March was remarkable.
After picking up just one point from the first three games – a loss to Armenia unquestionably the low-point – the Irish breathed new life into their campaign with home victories over Armenia and Portugal.
But, ninety minutes from an unlikely play-off, they gave themselves a mountain to climb during a shaky start in the Hungarian capital.
Just as they did in the home match with Hungary in September, they fell behind early when Lukacs’ header survived a VAR review for offside.
The Irish response to that early setback was admirable, with Parrott confidently slotting a penalty home after Chiedozie Ogbene was fouled by Attila Szalai in the box.
A fizzing left-footed strike from Varga put Hungary back on course for the play-offs, but the Republic of Ireland had not read the script.
Having expended immense amounts of energy to beat Portugal, the Irish players battled fatigue and refused to give in, with Adam Idah having a goal ruled out for offside.
But Parrott beat the trap to lift a deft shot over Dibusz and popped up again with seconds remaining to poke home Liam Scales’ knock-on and send the Irish team and travelling fans into delirium after becoming the first Republic of Ireland player to score a hat-trick in a competitive game since Robbie Keane in 2014.
For Parrott, it caps the best week of his career. With Evan Ferguson injured, the AZ Alkmaar stunned Portugal with two goals and eclipsed that performance to keep the Republic of Ireland’s dream alive.
Credit, too, should go to Caoimhin Kelleher. The Brentford goalkeeper has been the Republic of Ireland’s most consistent player throughout the campaign and produced excellent saves to twice deny Roland Sallai and keep the visitors in the game before the Parrott-led turnaround.
