Hungary’s Unbeaten Streak Ends with Surprising Loss to Republic of Ireland

Hungary’s national football team, led by head coach Marco Rossi, saw their impressive 15-match unbeaten streak come to an end with a 2-1 defeat against the Republic of Ireland. The loss comes as Hungary prepares for their upcoming Euro 2024 finals encounter with Scotland.

In the 35th minute, the Republic of Ireland took the lead with a goal by Adam Idah, the Norwich City striker who recently concluded a loan spell at Celtic, heading past goalkeeper Peter Gulasci from a cross delivered by Southampton midfielder Will Smallbone.

Hungary managed to equalize just five minutes later when a deflected long-range shot from captain Dominik Szoboszlai found its way to Omonia defender Adam Lang, who expertly finished at the far post after a flick-on by RB Leipzig centre-back Willi Orban.

However, in a turn of events against the run of play, Tottenham Hotspur striker Troy Parrott broke free and sealed victory for the Republic of Ireland in stoppage time.

Expressing his disappointment, Rossi noted, “We were not satisfied even with the draw in minute 91. We had several chances to win this match. Of course, we made some mistakes, but I think Ireland had two chances and they scored both. Okay, we wanted to win, but every time if it’s not possible to win, we have to accept the draw. Despite the fact that we were coming from 14 matches without defeat, we are not England or Germany. Like I have mentioned several times, we are in a process, we are growing up.”

Rossi’s squad faced challenges with several players unavailable for the match in Dublin. Fehérvár defender Attila Fiola has been unable to complete full training sessions but is anticipated to play against Israel on Saturday. Kecskeméti midfielder Krisztofer Horvath is also nursing a minor injury, while Bendegúz Bolla from Servette and Dániel Gazdag from Philadelphia Union only joined the squad on Monday due to club commitments.