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Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai was in tears as his country, Hungary, crashed out of contention for next summer's World Cup in heartbreaking fashion.
Troy Parrott scored a 96th-minute winner in Budapest, which saw Ireland move into second spot in the group behind Portugal. Hungary only needed to draw the game to finish as runners-up and make the play-offs and looked set to do so heading into stoppage time.
Szoboszlai and Milos Kerkez have therefore missed the chance to reach the tournament in the US, Canada and Mexico. But the Hungary captain showed his class with the home fans inside the stadium.
Despite the devastation, Hungary's number 10 made sure to thank the home fans for their support. He went around the stadium, clearly visibly upset, and ensured that he interacted with as many as he could.
"It took some time for the national team to gather themselves after the whistle," Hungarian outlet Nemzeti Sport said.
"Most of them were lying on the ground staring ahead, others were sitting on the drinks crate by the sideline, holding their heads, but there were also those who were slumped on the bench and staring at their shoes.
"Only Barnabas Varga was walking around the pitch, shaking his head. It was a moving sight as he walked up and down the pitch, saddened by the Ferencvaros striker.
"A few meters behind him, the Irish national team members were kissing each other, jumping and singing.
"Yet 10 minutes before the end of regular time, there was still no sign of the great Irish resurrection."
The outlet questioned some of Hungary boss Marco Rossi’s selection decisions. Szoboszlai, for instance, was selected to play in a deeper role in midfield, which he sometimes does for his national team.
Kerkez, meanwhile, took to Instagram on Monday, the morning after Hungary's painful defeat. He simply posted a picture of his head inside his jersey, with a Hungarian flag and a heart emoji.
Kerkez will return to Liverpool fighting for his spot in the team with Andy Robertson. Szoboszlai, meanwhile, has been Liverpool's best player so far this season in a variety of roles.
Liverpool.com says: It was a huge blow for Szoboszlai and Kerkez. They would have expected to make the play-offs and Liverpool will hope that their confidence is not impacted as a result.
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