Hungary vs Republic of Ireland: Hallgrimsson Thrilled to Control Team’s Fate
In a crucial matchup, Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson is optimistic as his team prepares for a significant World Cup qualifier against Hungary. The match is scheduled for Sunday at 14:00 GMT at the Puskas Arena in Budapest. A victory will secure the Irish team’s spot in the World Cup play-offs.
Current Standing and Past Matches
The Republic of Ireland is aiming for three points to claim second place in Group F, a position that seemed improbable earlier in the campaign. The team faced challenges, starting with a home draw against Hungary, followed by an unexpected defeat to Armenia. This led to increased pressure on Hallgrimsson and his squad after a last-minute loss to Portugal.
However, the Republic rebounded with impressive performances. They defeated Armenia at home and secured a remarkable 2-0 victory against Portugal, currently ranked fifth in the world. In that match, Troy Parrott scored both goals, while Cristiano Ronaldo received a red card.
Preparation for the Match
Hallgrimsson emphasized the importance of building on recent successes. “We need to focus on what created that win and try to reproduce it,” he stated. The manager stressed moving forward rather than dwelling on previous games.
“We said we would take it if we reached the final match with everything in our hands. We embrace this opportunity,” he added.
Player Updates
- Evan Ferguson remains sidelined due to an ankle injury.
- Ryan Manning and Jayson Molumby are back after serving suspensions.
- Hallgrimsson indicated that he may retain the same lineup from the previous match, depending on training sessions.
“The confidence and belief are high among the players,” Hallgrimsson remarked. He acknowledged Ferguson’s decision to prioritize the team, despite wanting to participate after a strong performance in Dublin.
During a recent training session, Ferguson indicated he couldn’t fully contribute due to his ongoing recovery. As a result, he will continue rehabilitation with Roma.
With a fully-fit squad, aside from Ferguson, the Republic of Ireland is focused on making the most of this vital opportunity against Hungary.
