Ireland-Hungary Duel to a Thrilling… Draw | OneFootball

Saturday, September 16 UEFA World Cup Qualifying Results

Republic of Ireland 2 – 2 Hungary

Hungary stunned Ireland with a goal inside two minutes.

Barnbás Varga was kept onside by Matt Doherty’s lazy run-up and volleyed in an improbable finisher to shock the hosts. Varga should have doubled the lead in the 13th minute but put his header wide of the post, but Hungary wouldn’t wait long to get that second goal. Seconds before the 15th minute, Dominic Szloboszlai punched in a corner that Roland Sallai easily redirected.

It wasn’t looking good for Eire until Evan Ferguson connected in the 48th minute, his scuffed shot inexplicably bouncing past three Hungarian defenders in slow motion. No matter, it gave life back to the home side. Roland Sallai gave Ireland even more hope when he drew a straight red for a high studs out challenge on Dara O’Shea. Hungary dug in deep, denying Ireland’s attacks for over 30 minutes until Adam Idah scored off Ryan Manning’s cross, beating the Hungarian keeper.

England 2 – 0 Andorra

England won, though it was neither energetic, composed or fun to watch.

They dominated but when 83% possession only results in 11 shots it tells you everything you need to know about the urgency exhibited on the pitch. England’s first score was courtesy of Andorran defender Christian Garcia, whose botched clearance of Noni Mandueke’s cross hit his own net. There were some head-slapping misses (most notably Elliot Anderson from 6 yards out), but Declan Rice did not squander his chance when given a dime on his forehead from Reese James.

Armenia 0 – 5 Portugal

Portugal flew to Yerevan, wiped out the Armenian team and was probably out of the country in under 48 hours. Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 140th goal for Portugal (and one more besides) to make his case for a ticket to his sixth World Cup. I’m not sure scoring against hapless opponents like Armenia is the strongest argument, but he did hit them.

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