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.

At the midway point of the campaign, Ireland have one point from nine but their manager feels two wins from the final three qualifiers could squeeze Ireland into the runners-up spot and entry into the playoffs.

“This was a painful and heartbreaking result,” reflected a crestfallen Hallgrímsson.

“Sometimes us coaches try to talk up performance after a defeat but our gameplan worked.

“Teamwork was excellent. There was a lot of energy put into this match and going back to Ireland with nothing is painful.

“We knew that we’d get space behind Portugal. Once we won the ball, Festy Ebosele and Chiedozie Ogbene were explosive on the flanks.

“We need to leave the frustration and pain in Portugal and focus on Armenia at home.” Hallgrímsson admitted the exertions of defending throughout a humid evening in Lisbon may have contributed to Francisco Trincão being allowed time and space to execute the match-winning cross.

“Once you get tired, you give the player on the ball more time,” he said.

“Their player was given too much time to cross. We had defended those moments better, almost all the time, so that was unfortunate.

“Portugal have the quality to find the perfect pass and run.

His Portuguese counterpart Roberto Martinez felt they shaded a tight contest.

“We expected that type of performance from Ireland because the Armenia defeat wasn’t at their level,” he said.

“We weren’t surprised by their tactics, only their capacity to be aggressive and defend so well.

“It was incredible solidarity from the players. Evan Ferguson showed how important a striker and Kelleher had an amazing game.”