Troy Parrott scored in the 96th minute in March. That goal — against Hungary, for the Republic of Ireland, in a World Cup qualifier — sent Hungary out of the playoff picture and broke a nation’s heart. They had been in front. They had been going through. Then Parrott struck and it was over.
Three months later, Hungary played Finland at the Puskás Aréna. No World Cup. No stakes. Just football. And they played like a team with something to prove anyway.
Barnabás Varga scored first. Dominik Szoboszlai created the second. Hungary won 2-1. It does not fix March. It does not get them to North America. But the crowd of 67,000 inside the Puskás Aréna left happier than they arrived.
The opener came early. Szoboszlai drove forward in that way he does — head up, weight on the front foot, looking for options in the final third. He found Varga, who struck the ball powerfully and sent it into the net before the Finnish goalkeeper could react. The crowd roared. That is what they came for.
Finland did not collapse after going behind. They never do. They are a stubborn, organised side — beaten 4-0 by Germany just days earlier but that result said more about Germany than it did about Finland. Joel Pohjanpalo held the ball up well in the first half and brought Leo Walta into play at moments. They had spells of possession but could not find the cutting edge in front of goal. Hungary’s back three of Orbán, Dárdai and Bolla held firm.
The second half opened and Hungary added a second. Szoboszlai got on the ball deep and drove through midfield. His run attracted two Finnish players toward him and left space on the right. The pass found its target. The finish was good. 2-0. Hungary comfortable. The Puskás Aréna enjoying itself.
Finland did not give up. Pohjanpalo — who has been one of the best strikers in his country for the past four years — pulled one back. A clever run, a composed finish, the Finnish end of the stadium making noise. 2-1. Suddenly there was something to think about again.
Hungary managed it out though. Marco Rossi made his substitutions. The defensive shape stayed compact. Finland had moments in the final quarter but the clinical moment never arrived. Lukas Hradecky made saves at the other end too — not many, but enough to give Finland’s supporters something to applaud. The final whistle went with the scoreline unchanged.
2-1. Hungary win. A decent evening at the Puskás Aréna.
The context matters here. Hungary had won two and drawn two in their qualifying group before the Ireland game changed everything. They had beaten Portugal earlier in that qualifying campaign — one of the results of the group stage. They had the quality to be at this World Cup. Two months later they are watching it on television like everyone else in Budapest.
The Ireland result — Parrott’s 96th-minute goal specifically — is the wound that does not heal quickly. Marco Rossi stayed in the job and the players are clearly behind him given the attitude they showed on Friday. But the Nations League cycle coming up in September is the next proper challenge. Hungary are in League A of the Nations League. The level goes up. Szoboszlai needs to be leading from the front and on this evidence he is ready.
For Finland, the summer has been difficult. Fourth in a qualifying group they had hoped to make more of. Then 4-0 to Germany. Then 2-1 here. The Nations League will give them a chance to reset. Pohjanpalo’s goal on Friday was a reminder of his quality — he has been excellent for Club Brugge this season and brings that form into every international camp.
Neither side is going to the World Cup. Both sides are trying to make sure the next cycle goes differently. Friday in Budapest was one small step in that direction for Hungary. One step backward for Finland.
For live international scores and full coverage, visit fawanews.org.uk. Full Nations League groups and fixtures at the official UEFA website.
Hungary 2-1 Finland FIFA International Friendly | Friday, 5 June 2026 Puskás Aréna, Budapest | Attendance: ~67,000
Goals: Barnabás Varga (Hungary, first half), Hungary second goal (Szoboszlai assist), Joel Pohjanpalo (Finland, second half)
Hungary (3-4-2-1): Pécsі; Orbán, Dárdai, Bolla; Kerkez, Schäfer, Vitális, A. Tóth; Szoboszlai, Sallai; Redzic Subs used: Varga, Schön, Nagy, Fiola
Finland (4-4-2): Hradecky; Alho, Ivanov, Hoskonen, Uronen; Kamara, Schüller, Kairinen, Lod; Pukki, Pohjanpalo Subs used: Walta, Pyyhtia, Antman, Suhonen
Half-time: 1-0
