Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike has rushed to support Dominik Szoboszlai after Hungary failed to qualify for the World Cup qualification playoff. The 25-year-old couldn’t inspire his nation to secure a place at the prestigious international competition as they suffered a dramatic defeat against the Republic of Ireland.
Szoboszlai assisted the opening goal for Daniel Lukacs before Liverpool and international teammate Milos Kerkez provided Barnabas Varga before the break to restore their 2-1 lead. But Hungary endured a 16-minute collapse as Troy Parrott scored twice, completing his hat-trick in the process in the sixth minute of stoppage time.
Szoboszlai was visibly emotional after the late heartache, which saw Ireland leapfrog Hungary into second place in the group and secure a playoff spot.
On Monday, the 25-year-old apologised to the nation after failing to guide his country to their first World Cup since 1986. On Instagram, he posted: “It hurts.
“It hurts because we really wanted it! Not only for us but for you too.
“For you, who are always by our side and would accompany us to the end of the world.
“As Team Captain, I’m sorry I didn’t make it this time… Very proud of all players, staff and coaches. I love being Hungarian, even when life tests me.
“Someday every detail will fall into place, that’s why we work again and again. You are, what is mine.
“We owe you and us a World Cup! The work has begun again. I love you Hungary!”
Ekitike was among the Liverpool contingent to offer their support, with Ibrahima Konate, Curtis Jones, Ryan Gravenberch and Andy Robertson liking the post.
The France international, who netted his first senior goal for Les Bleus to help Didier Deschamps’ side clinch qualification to the World Cup with their 4-0 win over Ukraine, commented: “Always proud brother.”
Szoboszlai is expected to be part of the Liverpool team that welcomes Nottingham Forest to Anfield on November 22.
Sean Dyche’s side will be hoping they can emulate their heroics from last season after the international break, when Callum Hudson-Odoi’s effort helped Forest beat the Reds on Merseyside.
Arne Slot will look to console the Hungary skipper and hope the disappointment doesn’t impact his confidence after Szoboszlai has been one of the most consistent performers for the Reds during a dismal title defence.
The Dutchman praised the 25-year-old earlier this month, saying: “I think he’s been outstanding throughout the whole season, but these two games brought even more out of the team and out of him.
“For me, for obvious reasons; but it’s maybe smarter not to say those reasons because I don’t want to say the same things over and over again, and you probably know what I mean without me saying it?
“I think Dom has a lot, a lot, a lot of qualities but one of them is also his work without the ball.
“And his work without the ball was… I like his work without the ball every single game and in the last two games that was probably even above his own standards.”
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