On a June evening where an insincere, radiant sunshine was exchanged for dark hoodies excavated from the depths of the winter wardrobe, the weather conditions mirrored the end of season friendly match on the Aviva’s pitch. The environment was far from feverish, just like the match that never really got its blood up. Regardless, every victory counts regardless of the circumstances.
Though this particular game’s significance may only matter to a few in the grand scheme of things. John O’Shea might be the one with the most to extract from it, depending on the venue in which his ongoing examination eventually unfolds in. For Finn Azaz, it will mark his debut in international senior-level, while Adam Idah might remember it as the game in which he scored his fourth goal. But for the most part, the game is destined to be tucked away in the archives, with next to no chance of featuring in career highlights when Séamus Coleman or Robbie Brady retire.
Yet, the match was inches away from giving Sammie Szmodics, the unexpected star of the season, a box-office close to the season, at the age of 28. If only the ball to win had been directed to him by Troy Parrott. Such are the mysteries of goal scoring.
The match was promoted from several angles, cheekily presented as the Sammie Szmodics Derby, offering a playful take on the friendly. Earlier in the year, Szmodics had made the decision to represent Ireland over Hungary, a move that visiting manager Marco Rossi described as unnecessary. Szmodics surely took note of that comment from Rossi.
However, Rossi exhibited a more thoughtful perspective when asked about Szmodics this week. He was candid about Szmodics’ choice to play for Ireland against Belgium during his debut in March, saying that he simply followed his heart, and that is respectable.
Szmodics recently wrapped up the most fruitful season of his career, topping the Championship’s goal charts with a tally of 27. This remarkable feat becomes even more impressive when considering the total of 60 goals scored by Blackburn Rovers over the season. Thanks largely to Szmodics, the team managed to just avoid relegation, finishing in 19th position.
Regrettably, Szmodics failed to score his first international goal against Hungary, despite his visible desire to do so. During the initial shootaround, it was crafted as a simple exercise where Szmodics stood outside the box, ready to shoot. After a couple of blocked attempts, he ended the warm-up by landing two successful shots inside the left post.
Nonetheless, opportunities for netting a goal were scare throughout the encounter for Szmodics, a man who boasts a record of 27 league goals in 44 outings.
Showing a proclivity for the left sideline, Szmodics set a commendable pace for his teammates with his diligent work ethic and prompt effort to restrict Hungary’s attempts to progress the ball from the back.
Szmodics’ first touch of the game was a bit unfortunate as the ball got tangled between his legs right on the edge of the box. However, he managed to assist Idah for a goal opportunity in the 18th minute with a clever pass, maneuvering the ball out of a tight spot.
While he initially showcased promising tactics, a misguided pass in the 25th minute dented his performance and his command over the game began to dwindle.
Yet, he did manage to be in the box during Will Smallbone’s outstanding cross which was headed into goal by Idah. He was culpable for two overhit crosses in the latter part of the game but, to his credit, he remained combatant till the end, even receiving a warning from the referee after a vigorous tackle on Callum Styles.
During the concluding injury time, Parrott had a golden chance at the goal with Szmodics by his side. It seemed like the moment for Sammie but Parrott opted to go solo, securing the score.
Although Szmodics did not get his moment of glory against Hungary, he may have one final opportunity next week against Portugal. However fanciful it may seem, the notion of an Irish commemorative goal might have been a step too far.
The Hungarian team now heads to Germany for the Euros. While they received a warm Irish reception in Dublin on Tuesday night, there was no special farewell for Sammie Szmodics. Perhaps, that moment will arrive in the future.