For 45 minutes it looked like a shock was on the cards, and Republic of Ireland were going to win a match under Stephen Kenny.
But while this eventual draw against Qatar is an improvement on Saturday’s humiliating loss to Luxembourg, it still represents an 11th match without victory for the manager.
James McClean’s fourth-minute opener in Hungary was at least proof of work being done on the training pitch.
The short-corner routine was arguably the most impressive passage of Kenny’s tenure and involved taker Daryl Horgan swapping passes with Robbie Brady before teeing up McClean for a 12-yard finish.
It was the winger’s first international goal since a winner in Wales three-and-a-half years ago, a reminder of a time when Ireland did bloody the noses of higher-ranked teams.
Not now, however. Ireland don’t hurt anyone but themselves these days.
And it was no surprise when Mohammed Muntari fired an 18-yard equaliser two minutes after half-time for the 2022 World Cup hosts.
There is no chance of Ireland joining them at next year’s tournament, and that is perhaps for the best.
The sight of them winning a free-kick beyond the three minutes of added time, and then taking it short straight to a Qatari with a crowded penalty area waiting, just about captures the desperation of where Ireland are at right now.