"When ranking the Republic of Ireland's most embarrassing defeats, it is hard to look past the debacle that unfolded in their 2-1 defeat by Armenia in Yerevan on Tuesday night. The result against a side 105th in the Fifa world rankings was all the more calamitous given it effectively ends the Republic's hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup just two games into qualifying. The abject performance also inevitably leads to serious questions about the direction of the Irish team under Heimir Hallgrimsson and speculation about his future."
"Hopes were high heading into this campaign as the Republic of Ireland aimed to reach a first World Cup since 2002 on the back of enjoying an unbeaten start to 2025. That optimism has quickly evaporated as Hallgrimsson's side have only a solitary point to show from their first two outings in Group F. Saturday's 2-2 draw with Hungary in Dublin showed both positive and negative elements. They trailed 2-0 at half-time, having paid the price for two defensive mistakes, and were indebted to goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher for the fact their deficit was not greater. Yet they found a way to come back, with Adam Idah's late equaliser just reward for taking the game to the Hungarians after the break."
Republic of Ireland lost 2-1 to Armenia in Yerevan against a team ranked 105th by Fifa. The result effectively ends the Republic's hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup just two games into qualifying. The performance raises serious questions about the team's direction under Heimir Hallgrimsson and prompts speculation about his future, with his contract running only until the end of the current World Cup campaign. Ireland began 2025 unbeaten and entered qualifying with optimism but now have one point from two Group F matches. A 2-2 draw with Hungary featured a comeback aided by goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher and Adam Idah's late equaliser, but momentum evaporated in Yerevan as the midfield was overrun.
Read at www.bbc.com
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