Gutted Hallgrimsson says Ireland plan worked but Martinez 'wasn't surprised'

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez expected Ireland's formation and felt they shaded a tight contest.

Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson, right, and Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F qualifying match between Portugal and Republic of Ireland at Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon, Portugal. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Heimir Hallgrímsson says Ireland must leave their “pain and heartbreak” behind in Portugal when they square up against bottom seeds Armenia on Tuesday.

A vastly improved performance on last month’s defeat to the Armenians was six minutes from extracting a point off the Portuguese until Rúben Neves ghosted in to head the only goal of the World Cup qualifier.