The Republic of Ireland stretched their unbeaten run to fourteen matches despite a full examination from a dangerous Hungary side in Budapest.

The match was almost postponed, as a heavy downpour and thunderstorms drove both sides back into the tunnel for nearly twenty minutes before Danish referee Kenn Hansen gave the go-ahead for it to continue.

Despite the delay Ireland started well, keeping possession and winning the ball back quickly from a Hungary side intent on giving it away cheaply. John O’Shea headed just over from a Duff cross and Robbie Keane stung the palms of Alex Bogdan with a fierce left-foot shot.

But as the half went on Hungary began to cut out the mistakes and threaten the Irish defence. Star man Balasz Dzsudzsak looked particularly dangerous in and around the box, forcing Shay Given into a number of saves including a smart stop from a deflected effort.

The Hungarians continued to probe and should have been ahead ten minutes before the break, Adam Szalai scuffing his shot straight at Given when unmarked in the box after a St. Ledger slip. Jelavic, Torres and Balotelli will be far less merciful when the Euro 2012 group stages get underway.

Both sides made two changes at half time, Shay Given replaced by Kieren Westwood as a precaution, and the ineffective Kevin Doyle making way for Jonathan Walters. But Hungary picked up where they left-off, attacking the Irish penalty area with purpose and Szalai was thwarted first by St. Ledger’s back and then by a diving save from Westwood.

Ireland continued to struggle, forcing Trapattoni into more changes on the half-hour mark, and they almost paid instant dividends, Jonathan Walters breaking down the right and having his cross-goal shot kept out by the fingertips of Bogdan. That seemed to calm the Irish, who began to keep the ball much better and fashion chances. First McGeady released Cox who shot straight at Bogdan before Walters wasted an excellent chance, heading wide from Hunt’s cross.

There was still time for two late scares for the Irish, Stephen Hunt clearing off the line from a long-range Szabics shot, and substitute Krisztian Nemeth drilling straight at Westwood when clean through deep into stoppage time. But the Republic of Ireland hung on for a draw and a clean sheet ahead of a tough Euro 2012 campaign that begins against Croatia on the 10th June.