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Hungary’s media was left reeling following the nation’s defeat to the Republic of Ireland, with Liverpool duo Dominik Szoboszlai and Milos Kerkez caught up in the drama.
Szoboszlai and Kerkez had looked to have helped their country to a play-off spot, with both having recorded assists in Budapest as Hungary desperately tried to cling on to a draw during the final moments.
Troy Parrott completed a remarkable hat-trick in stoppage time to steal second place in their qualifying group, and leave Hungary’s players devastated as their dreams of reaching next year’s World Cup were shattered in the most dramatic of circumstances.
Szoboszlai could barely bring himself to speak after the game, and the Liverpool star’s emotions were reflected by Hungarian outlet Nemzeti Sport.
“It took some time for the national team to gather themselves after the whistle,” they wrote.
“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 Barnabás 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 Ferencváros striker, while a few meters behind him the Irish national team members were kissing each other, jumping and singing. Yet ten minutes before the end of regular time there was still no sign of the great Irish resurrection.”
The outlet also questioned some of Hungary boss Marco Rossi’s selections, including the call to play Szoboszlai in a deeper role in midfield, a decision that was described as “strange to see”.
Providing ratings for both Kerkez and Szoboszlai, the Liverpool duo were both awarded six out of 10, with only goalscorer Varga earning a higher rating.
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Describing Kerkez’s performance, they said: “He had twenty-three touches of the ball in the first half, the best of which was his assist to Barnabás Varga. He lost most of his duels until the break, but improved in the second half, intercepted several crosses, and went forward bravely.
“We could say it was his best game of the series, winning seven out of eight duels on the ground and making five key passes.”
And on Szoboszlai, they added: “He started with a free kick and three corners, and the opening goal was achieved, his pass count was 47/45 until the break. He played in a more back than usual, filtering position, but he also reached the Irish penalty area from deep, he gave a beautiful pass in the 51st minute, four minutes later he broke between two defenders, that was also brilliant, it's a shame about the pass, the ball was lifted behind him for the second Irish goal, but he gave five key passes.”
With their country’s World Cup hopes now over, Szoboszlai and Kerkez will return to Liverpool in the coming days as they turn their focus back to matters in the Premier League.
The Reds return to action against Nottingham Forest next weekend, with Arne Slot’s side having plenty of ground to make up after falling eight points behind leader Arsenal before the international break.
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