Hungary vs Republic of Ireland: Chidozie Ogbeni says it’s ‘all or nothing’ in Budapest

Republic of Ireland winger Chidozie Ogbeni has admitted that Sunday’s final World Cup qualifier against Hungary in Budapest (14:00 GMT) is “all or nothing”.

Ogbeni played a starring role in his side’s 2-0 win over Portugal in Dublin on Thursday, which kept their qualification hopes alive.

Coach Hemir Hallgrimsson’s team occupies third place in Group F, one point ahead of Hungary and three points behind the Portuguese, who conclude their home matches against Armenia at the same time on Sunday.

Anything less than a win would end the Republic of Ireland’s qualification dreams, and Ogbeni insists they must put their win over Portugal on hold and focus on another big test.

“This result has not defined us yet,” the 28-year-old told BBC Sport.

“We have to go to Hungary with a balanced head and we have to win. It’s all or nothing, really. We can’t go there and try to get a draw because that won’t do us any good, so we need to win this game.”

“We know it’s going to be tough and they’re going to know we have to win, so they’re going to do everything they can to put us down. We just have to take that momentum and the feel-good factor and keep it going until Sunday.”

While Troy Parrott’s brace lifted Ireland to victory on Thursday, the main talking point was the red card Cristiano Ronaldo received in the second half after elbowing Dara O’Shea.

Ogbeni felt the 40-year-old’s reaction was due to the lack of any change in the home team’s defence.

He added: “Frustration can happen and it happens to the best of us.”

“Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best players in the world, if not the best, and it happened to him, but that is down to the boys and how they defended.”