The Republic of Ireland are gearing up for a crucial World Cup qualifier against Armenia in Yerevan, with manager Heimir Hallgrimsson urging his side to be sharp from the first whistle. Following a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Hungary, where they had to claw back from a two-goal deficit, the Irish are aiming for a more dominant performance.
Hallgrimsson emphasised the importance of starting strong, especially considering Armenia will likely have an advantage in the early stages due to having an extra day to recover and avoid travel fatigue. He highlighted the team's tendency to concede early goals in recent matches, a trend they need to address to secure a positive result.
“Obviously, they will have more power in the beginning, I would guess, with an extra day to recover [rather than travelling],” said Hallgrimsson. “We've conceded early goals in three games of late and they probably fancy their chances in the beginning, so we need to be ready from kick-off.”
The previous match against Hungary saw Barnabas Varga and Roland Sallai put the visitors ahead, but goals from Evan Ferguson and Adam Idah salvaged a point for Ireland. Hallgrimsson praised the team's character and resilience in that game, qualities they will need to display again in the challenging conditions in Yerevan, where temperatures are expected to exceed 30C.
Looking ahead, Hallgrimsson is focusing on building on the positive aspects of their second-half performance against Hungary. He wants the team to maintain control of the game and capitalize on their opportunities. The match promises to be a tough encounter, but Ireland are determined to secure a valuable victory in their World Cup qualifying campaign.
Key Takeaways:
- Ireland aiming for a strong start against Armenia.
- Hallgrimsson emphasizes the need to avoid conceding early goals.
- Team spirit and resilience are crucial for success in Yerevan.
What to expect?
Expect a tactical battle as Ireland attempts to contain Armenia's initial surge while aiming to impose their game plan. The heat will be a significant factor, testing the fitness and endurance of both teams. Whether Ireland can overcome these challenges and secure a win remains to be seen.