Hallgrímsson bemoans second-half passiveness, but pleased with overall solidity

Hallgrímsson must avoid any goodwill and positivity being eroded on Sunday in the second leg.

Ireland's Matt Doherty celebrates scoring his side's second goal with Mikey Johnston and Troy Parrott. Pic: Kostadin Andonov/Inpho

Despite bemoaning passiveness at times, victory on the road in Bulgaria is one Ireland may reflect on as enlivening their year.

It will be November 16 in Hungary when Ireland concludes their World Cup qualifying campaign and a 10-game calendar that began by prevailing in Plovdiv.