"Image source, Getty Images Finn Azaz said Armenia captain Tigran Barseghyan "lost his head" when he headbutted the Republic of Ireland midfielder in Tuesday's World Cup qualifier in Dublin. In the game's major flashpoint, Barseghyan was dismissed seven minutes into the second half after thrusting his head into Azaz's face as the players clashed on the sideline. With a numerical advantage, the Republic of Ireland eventually broke the deadlock on 70 minutes through Evan Ferguson's header, which earned them a vital first win in World Cup qualifying."
""It was a heated game, there is a lot of emotion, it was a physical game and these moments can happen," Azaz told BBC Sport NI. "He has lost his head and the consequences were they went down to 10 men. It was a headbutt, I felt the contact." Azaz, who was brought into the starting line-up by Heimir Hallgrimsson, added: "There's not much for me to say about it, it was in the heat of the moment, and it's changed the game, that's part of football.""
"The nervy win in Dublin moves the Republic of Ireland up to third in Group F, a point behind Hungary, who boosted their chances of securing a play-off place with a dramatic late draw against Portugal. The group is delicately poised with two games remaining. If Hungary beat Armenia in their next game, the Republic of Ireland must earn at least a point to take the battle for second place into their trip to Budapest on 16 November."
Armenia captain Tigran Barseghyan was dismissed after headbutting Republic of Ireland midfielder Finn Azaz seven minutes into the second half, leaving Armenia with ten men. Ireland capitalised on the numerical advantage when Evan Ferguson scored a 70th-minute header to secure a 1-0 World Cup qualifying win in Dublin. Azaz described the match as heated and physical, and called the headbutt the turning point. The victory moves Ireland third in Group F, one point behind Hungary, with two qualifying games remaining and several permutations still possible for play-off positions.
Read at www.bbc.com
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