Dominik Szoboszlai shares emotional social media post after Hungary defeat | OneFootball

Hungary’s Late Collapse Ends World Cup Dream

Dominik Szoboszlai endured one of the most painful nights of his international career as Hungary’s hopes of returning to the World Cup stage were dramatically extinguished in Budapest. A match that required only a draw against the Republic of Ireland spiralled away in stoppage time, leaving players and fans stunned.

Hungary led twice but were repeatedly dragged back, and the decisive moment arrived deep into added time when Troy Parrott completed his hat-trick and silenced the Puskás Aréna. For Szoboszlai, who has become the symbolic heartbeat of his national side, the final whistle brought a wave of devastation that was immediately visible on the pitch.

Television cameras captured the midfielder struggling to articulate the scale of his disappointment, his voice cracking as he tried to process the reality of missing out on a tournament he had dreamt of since childhood.

Szoboszlai’s Defiance Shines Through Emotional Message

A day later, the pain had not eased. Instead of withdrawing from the spotlight, Szoboszlai addressed supporters directly on social media with a message that blended honesty, frustration and an unwavering sense of duty.

Writing in Hungarian, he admitted the defeat “hurt” deeply, emphasising the shared ambition between the squad and the fans. He apologised as captain but insisted he remained immensely proud of every player and staff member involved in the campaign. His message radiated determination, vowing that Hungary would continue working relentlessly until they earned a place at football’s biggest stage once again.

In a testament to his connection with supporters, Szoboszlai reaffirmed his love for representing Hungary, stressing that even in moments of hardship, the national identity he carries remains a source of strength rather than burden. It was the sort of leadership statement that resonates far beyond a single night’s result.

Hungary Left Waiting as Tournament Absence Continues

Hungary’s last appearance at a World Cup came in 1986, and the wait will now extend for at least another four years. Szoboszlai has already sampled the atmosphere of a major tournament at Euro 2024, but for any elite footballer, the World Cup stands alone. This failure will linger.

Importantly, Szoboszlai cannot be faulted for his contribution. Across Hungary’s final three qualifiers, he scored once and supplied three assists, dragging his side forward during a difficult stage of the campaign. The return of four points from those matches tells its own story: individual brilliance was not enough to remedy collective shortcomings.

For a player who has built his reputation on resilience, this setback will be used as fuel. His message to the nation made that clear. The work, he insisted, has already begun again.

Focus Turns to Club Football and a Fresh Challenge

The timing of the defeat at least allows Szoboszlai several days to reset before returning to club duties. Liverpool face Nottingham Forest next, and the midfielder’s performances this autumn have been one of the most consistent elements of the champions’ campaign. His energy, creativity and intensity have repeatedly lifted the side during challenging periods.

With winter approaching and fixtures intensifying, Liverpool will hope Szoboszlai channels his international frustration into renewed domestic momentum. His ability to influence matches has been evident from the moment he arrived, and he remains a central figure in the team’s push for stability and silverware.

For now, the wounds of Hungary’s World Cup exit remain raw. But the conviction in Szoboszlai’s words suggests this disappointment will not define him or his national side. Instead, it may become the moment that shapes their next surge toward qualification.