Hallgrimsson: "When the Armenians were left with 10 players, they started playing more courageously"

Ireland national team head coach Hallgrimsson summed up the 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Armenia (1:0), RTÉ reports.

 "We should have decided the outcome of the game earlier. It didn't happen, that's why we were so nervous. I said, 'A 1-0 score against the Armenians will be enough for me,' and that's what happened. It's rare that we keep our goal unassailable and don't deviate from the game.' Maybe the Armenians were tense because of the need to win, but when they were left with 10 players, it took away their tension. They became more courageous. After that moment, the opponent started attacking more often and created several dangerous moments," said the Icelandic specialist.

The Armenian national team was reduced to 10 players in the 52nd minute of the match against Ireland after Tigran Barseghyan's red card: the national team captain had headbutted opponent player Finn Azaz in the face.

Yeghishe Melikyan's men are in fourth place in Group F of the qualifying tournament with 3 points. Group leaders Portugal have 10 points, Hungary - 5, and Ireland - 4.

The Armenian national team will play its next match on November 13, competing at home against the Hungarian team.