The Daily Star Ireland
The Republic of Ireland avoided a nightmare start to their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign after coming from two goals down to secure a 2-2 draw with Hungary at the Aviva Stadium. A late equalizer from Adam Idah rescued the hosts in what turned out to be a dramatic contest in Dublin.
Hungary’s Lightning Start Stuns the Hosts
Ireland were caught off guard almost immediately. Within three minutes, Barnabás Varga capitalized on hesitant defending to slam the visitors into the lead, finishing coolly past Caoimhín Kelleher after Callum Styles cleverly threaded him through.
Things went from bad to worse for Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side in the 16th minute. From a Dominik Szoboszlai corner, Roland Sallai rose above Nathan Collins and directed a precise header into the far corner, leaving Kelleher with no chance. The Aviva Stadium was stunned as Ireland found themselves 2-0 down before they had even settled into the game.
Hungary remained in control for much of the opening half, looking sharp and disciplined while Ireland struggled to string passes together. The closest the hosts came before the break was through Evan Ferguson, whose powerful effort forced Denes Dibusz into a rare save.
Ferguson Sparks the Comeback
Whatever was said in the Irish dressing room at halftime worked. Just three minutes into the second half, Ireland halved the deficit. Jason Knight surged forward and set Ferguson through on goal before the striker was brought down just outside the box. From the ensuing free kick, Ryan Manning’s delivery caused chaos, and after a scramble in the area, Ferguson bundled the ball over the line to give the home side hope.
Moments later, Ireland’s chances improved further when Sallai went from hero to villain. The Hungarian forward was shown a straight red card in the 53rd minute for a reckless stamp on Dara O’Shea’s ankle, leaving his team to defend their lead with 10 men for nearly 40 minutes.
Idah Delivers in Injury Time
Despite the numerical advantage, Ireland found it hard to break down Hungary’s stubborn defense. Substitute Chiedozie Ogbene and Finn Azaz both came close, only to be denied by outstanding saves from Dibusz.
With the clock ticking into stoppage time, Ireland finally found their breakthrough. Manning whipped in a teasing cross from the left, and substitute Idah powered his header past Dibusz to spark jubilation among the home crowd.
Ireland even pushed for a late winner through O’Shea, but time ran out and the spoils were shared.
A Game of Two Halves
The draw felt like a relief for Ireland after their disastrous start but also a missed opportunity given Hungary’s red card and defensive retreat in the second half. Still, Hallgrimsson will take encouragement from his team’s fightback and the impact of his substitutes, particularly Idah and Ogbene.
For Hungary, it was a case of what might have been. Dominant for much of the first half, they were undone by indiscipline and Ireland’s persistence, yet the point still keeps them in a strong position early in the qualifying campaign.
